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Recollections of Seventy Years 



AND 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS 



OF 



ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA 



BY 



JUDGE JOHN E. PARKE 



BOSTON 

RAND, AVERY, & COMPANY 

JFranfeUn Prccc 

1886 






47487 

Copyright, iS86, 
BY FRED. A. PARKE. 






INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



Some years previous to his death, Judge Parke commenced 
writing the history of Pittsburg and Allegheny ; learning that 
his friend, the late Dr. Jonas R. McClintock, was engaged on a 
similar work for the first-named city, he generously desisted 
from that part of his self-imposed task, and confined his labors 
to a preparation of the early history of Allegheny. Except a 
couple of trips to California, his entire life was lived in these 
cities ; and it extended almost from the commencement of 
settlement here, for three-quarters of a century. The many 
papers he read before the Historical Society of Western Penn- 
sylvania, evinced his ability to perform this work ; and it is 
greatly regretted that he was not permitted to complete it. 

The papers here offered to the public were found among his 
manuscripts ; and his earnest and frequently repeated desire to 
give the people of this city and vicinity a history of their city, 
has induced his family to undertake the publication. It is the 
request of his widow, that they be printed precisely as he left 
them ; and with the exception of a few slight alterations, abso- 
lutely necessary, her request has been complied with. 

J. L. F. 



Ill 



BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN E. PARKE. 



John E. Parke was born Dec. 12, 1806, on what is now the 
South Side, Pittsburg, in a small log house that stood near 
the end of the Point Bridge. His father, John Parke, was born 
in Belfast, Ireland, and died in Pittsburg, in 1808. The son 
attended school in a house near his home, and received such an 
education as that early period afforded. Influenced by an elder 
sister, he entered upon the study of medicine, and prosecuted 
it until he obtained the degree of M.D. ; but his physical 
strength not being equal to the labors required, he abandoned 
the practice. He, however, availed himself of the advantages 
of a knowledge of medicine, by engaging in the drug business, 
in partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Henry Hannen, 
Their store was on a corner of Market and Liberty Streets. 
After continuing in this trade for several 3^ears, they aban- 
doned it, and engaged in the manufacture of glass-ware. 
Their factory was in what was then Bayardstown, now the 
Ninth Ward, Pittsburg ; and their storehouse was on Wood 
Street, opposite the First National Bank building. 

Subsequently he became a member of the firm of Phelps, 
Parke, & Co., wagon-makers. Their large factory was located 
on Beaver Avenue, Allegheny, between Greenwood and Locust 
Streets, on the west side of the avenue. During the war, they 
furnished the government with a large number of wagons. 
When this firm was dissolved, he retired from business. Dur- 
ing his long and successful business career, sagacity and integ- 
rity were his prominent characteristics. 

In the establishment and carrying on of beneficent enter- 
prises, Mr. Parke was always interested, active, and liberal. 
He aided in the establishment of the Second Presbyterian 



vi BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN E. PARKE. 

Church, was one of the first managers of the House of Refuge, 
and secretary of the Society of Old Residents. 

He obtained the title of judge by being chosen to the hon- 
orable office of Associate Judge of the Civil Court. 

In the " Hesperus " (N. Ruggles Smith, editor), issue of Dec. 
20, 1828, the following notice is found : — ' 

"HYMENEAL. 

" Marfied, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 8, by the Rev. Joseph Stockton, Dr. 
John E. Parke to Miss Jane, daughter of John Hannen, Esq., of Allegheny 
town." 

His death occurred April 22, 1885, at his residence, No. "]"] 
Page Street, Allegheny. His body was buried in Mount 
Union Cemetery. 

At this writing, June, 1886, Mrs. Parke is still living, to enjoy 
the affection of their family and the esteem of many friends. 

The following anecdote, clipped from one of our city papers, 
is given a place here, because it illustrates the early life of 
Judge Parke : — 

Editor Mail, — In the column of your paper of the 2d inst., I 
noticed a terrible account of the death of a youth on Long Island, a 
victim of misplaced confidence in the friendly disposition of a pet bear, 
the reading of which called to my recollection a similar case, which 
occurred to the writer in the year 1S16 or 1817, which very nearly 
terminated with a like fatal result. 

On the east side of Third Street, Pittsburg, about midway between 
Wood and Smithfield Streets, the tan-yard of the Poyntz Bros, was 
located. They were the owners of a pet bear, which they kept chained 
to a post firmly set in the ground, in close proximity to the street. 
Being a lad of about ten years, I frequently had occasion to visit the 
premises, and pass it almost daily on my route to and from school. I 
consequently became somewhat familiar with bruin, and on many occa- 
sions filched from my mother's larder such articles of food as old Dan 
(named after the Kentucky hunter, Daniel Boone) was fond of. I 
often played with him ; and, although he was at times rather rough in 
his demonstrations, our relations heretofore were of the most friendly 
nature. A change, however, soon came over the spirit of our dreams. 
The facts recorded below are so vividly photographed on my memory, 
that the lapse of over sixty years has failed to erase them. 



BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN E. PARKE. vii 

On the day the occurrence took place, some boys had, by some 
means, made old Dan cross ; and, not being aware that there was any 
thing wrong, I approached him as usual with my friendly offering of 
food. When sufficiently near, he seized and drew me within his crush- 
ing embrace ; and with one despairing cry, I became oblivious of all 
surroundings. The cry having attracted the notice of the proprietors 
and workmen in the yard, they hastened to the rescue, armed with the 
implements of their trade. Mr. John Poyntz, by a well-directed blow, 
delivered with force with a currier's shaving-knife, directly behind the 
ear, stunned the enraged beast, and enabled them to withdraw me, limp 
and unconscious, from my perilous situation. Judging from my delicate 
physique and the angry condition of the animal, they feared I had 
received internal injuries which would render a return to life almost 
hopeless. The external wounds were a few unimportant scratches, evi- 
dently from his claws. The position of the bones of the chest were 
horribly out of shape ; they were, by careful manipulation, however, 
restored to their original position ; by the adoption of this and other 
prompt means, I was thus ushered back to life. 

Old Dan, after recovering from the effects of the blow, and still smart- 
ing under the treatment received, became perfectly frantic with rage, 
and in his fury broke the chain that bound him, and fled towards the 
Point. The people who happened to be on the streets at the time, 
fled in terror, in every direction, leaving him free to go where he hst. 
He finally invaded an orchard near Ferry Street and First Avenue ; and, 
after amusing himself in demolishing the apple-crop, he was with diffi- 
culty captured by the Messrs. Poyntz and their employees, and safely 
taken to his old quarters, secured in such a manner that the like should 
not occur again. In conclusion, permit me to say, that, having attained 
and passed the threescore years and ten of man's allotted hfe, when I 
gaze around me, I find but few living who stood with me in the great 
battle of life ; and as one by one drops out of the friendly circle, I 
am yet spared, a monument of the mercy of an all-wise Creator, and 
have the melancholy consolation to say of my departed companions, 
"Though dead, they are not forgotten." 

" I've wandered o'er my native place, I've sat beneath the tree. 
Upon the schoolhouse playground that sheltered them and me ; 
But none are here to greet me, but few are left to know, 
That roamed with me upon the green o'er fifty years ago." 

John E. Parke. 

Allegheny, Jan. 4, 1S79. 



CONTENTS. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

PAGE 

Preface and Dedication 3 

Introduction -.5 

History of the Town of Allegheny and Reserve Tract ... 7 

Borough of Allegheny 11 

An Ordinance creating the Offices of Fire Wardens and Bell 

Ringer 13 

List of Officers of the Borough of Allegheny since its Organi- 
zation 14 

Organization of the City of Allegheny 18 

Manchester 27 

Annexation of the Borough of Manchester with the City of 

Allegheny by Act of the Legislature approved March 12, 1867, 29 

HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

The Pittsburg Blues 33 

A Reminiscence of the War of 181 2 38 

A Legend of the "Shertee" 41 

PoNTiAc's Plot. — The Great Indian Uprising of 1763. ... 63 

Struggling against Misfortune 70 

Riot at the Temperance Ark, Allegheny, May 16, 1843 ... 76 
The Cotton-mill Riots in the City of Allegheny, Monday, July 

31. 1848 78 

Gas Explosion at the Methodist Protestant Church, Allegheny . 82 
Steam-boiler Explosion, of the Cotton-batting Factory of James 

AND Andrew Fife 84 

Eagle Cotton-mill Disaster 86 

A Fire 88 

Firemen's Riot, 1849 9° 

The Great Fire 94 

The Great Rain-storm and Local Flood of the 26TH July, 1874 . 96 

Reminiscences of the Old Third-street Theatre 103 

The First Bank Robbery in Pittsburg . 109 

Paper for the Society of Old Residents 112 

Sanitary Fair 114 

Ferries 118 

Bridges 124 

Floods 130 

ix 



CONTENTS. 



INSTITUTIONS. 

PAGE 

Tradesmen's Industrial Institute 133 

Western Theological Seminary 137 

Occupancy of the Commons by the Western University and the 

Western Penitentiary 141 

Pittsburg and Allegheny Orphan Asylum 144 

Pittsburg and Allegheny Home for the Friendless . . . -153 
Home for the Care and Maintenance of the Poor of the City of 

Allegheny 157 

A List of Directors and Officers of the Allegheny Poor-board . 160 

Pennsylvania Reform School 163 

Pittsburg Almshouse 170 

Fifth Ward Public Schools 172 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 

History of the Allegheny Observatory 179 

FACTORIES. 

Globe Plow Works 191 

The First Rope-walk 194 

The First Glass-works erected in Allegheny County . . . 197 

The First Iron Rolling Mill erected in the City of Allegheny . 199 

Paper-mill 200 

Allegheny Gas Company 201 

CEMETERIES. 

The Original Burial-place in Allegheny 205 

Mount Union Cemetery 20S 

FAMILY RECORD. 

Introduction 213 

Record 215 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Rev. Wells Bushnell 223 

Rev. David Elliott, D.D., LL.D. . 227 

Rev. Joseph King 232 

Rev. Luther Halsey, D.D., LL.D 234 

Rev. Job Foster Halsey, D.D 24S 

Rev. John Taylor Pressly, D.D. 252 

Rev. Joseph Stockton, A.M 258 

Rev. Elisha P. Swift, D.D 263 



CONTENTS. 



XI 



PAGE 

William B. Adams 267 

Herman de Haven 268 

Jacob Strickrath 269 

Simon Drum 272 

Alexander C. Alexander 274 

A. P. Callow 275 

Thomas Megraw 277 

James Anderson 279 

Charles Avery 282 

Henry Baldwin Earle 287 

Charles Brewer 289 

James C. Butler 295 

Henry Campbell 298 

Robert S. Cassatt 300 

William Cochran 302 

Hugh Davis 304 

Hugh S. Fleming 307 

Robert W. Park 310 

Hugh Gallagher 311 

Richard Gray 312 

John Hannen 31 c 

Gen. Alexander Hays 321 

George S. Hay, M.D 325 

John Irwin 328 

Josiah King 331 

George Leichtenberger 33c 

H. H. McCullough 338 

John Morrison 341 

Hezekiah Nixon 343 

John Park 346 

Death of Hon. Ormsby Phillips 336 

William Robinson, Jun 3m 

Thomas Sample 361 

William Barclay Foster 363 

Jonathan Rush 36^ 

Henry Shaker . 367 

John Shafer 368 

Martin Short . ^ 360 

John Woods 371 

Rev. Allen D. Campbell 372 

Rev. James Rodgers, D.D . 376 

Rev. Thomas Sproull, D.D 379 

Alexander Young 383 



EARLY HISTORY. 



I. 



PREFACE AND DEDICATION. 



To write a history of past events, is a task both difficult and 
tedious. So much research is necessary, so much care has 
to be exercised, and labor performed, in the examination, com- 
parison, and digesting of various statements, in order to avoid 
error, that the author's progress is painfully slow. 

Prejudice and lack of interest in persons, and inaccurate and 
imperfect records, have to be encountered. 

In compiling the miscellaneous history of Allegheny, the 
author has endeavored, to the best of his ability, to elaborate 
the several subjects introduced in the work, in a plain and com- 
prehensive manner, relying upon his own recollection, and data 
obtained from others whose age and experience well qualify 
them to impart the desired knowledge. 

Materials for a work of this kind are exceedingly difficult to 
obtain, and frequent disappointments were encountered after 
considerable time and labor consumed in the endeavor. This 
will account in some degree for the apparent delay in the issue 
of the work. 

There are many other interesting events in the history of 
Allegheny which should have been introduced into the work, 
the memory of which, however, has become so faded, that the 
efforts made to obtain the facts have proved abortive. 

His especial aim has been to elaborate incidents and events 
from his own recollection, and that of others, and has spared 
no pains to render the work complete, and interesting to the 
public generally, and especially to the citizens of Allegheny. 

Being fully aware of its many imperfections, he confidently 
submits it to a discerning public, and trusts they will recognize 



4 PREFACE AND DEDICATION. 

in the effort an earnest and honest endeavor to supply a void, 
— to rescue from oblivion the memory of "events and scenes of 
the receding past. 

To the early settlers of Allegheny, and their descendants, this 
work is respectfully dedicated, by the 

AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Written history is the record of memorable events ; and 
writing it is grouping together facts, gathered from authentic 
sources, in language free from speculation or prejudice, so that 
those who follow after " may know and live the truth." 

It is not the province of man to manufacture history ; he 
possesses no creative power to do so ; he is but a plagiarist at 
best ; he merely compiles from statements of " others gone 
before," and can only claim originality for his own construction 
of language, and the details of the subject of which he treats, 
and the elaborations of events from his own recollections : the 
materials are the common property of all. 

The records of the past, if truthfully written, are worthy of 
preservation : every thing appertaining thereto is more or less 
interesting and valuable to the present and to the coming gen- 
erations. 

We can scarcely realize the wonderful changes which have 
occurred in our midst, even within the compass of our own 
recollections. The Indian war-whoop, the midnight howl of 
the wolf, and the light of burning cabins, have been super- 
seded by the scream of the steam-whistle, the light of glow- 
ing furnaces, the sound of the ponderous engine and clang of 
machinery, and the whir and clatter of tens of thousands of 
spindles. 

The author's object in preparing these miscellaneous sketches 
of the past, is to collect together such important facts and 
statistics as relate principally to Allegheny and the " Reserve 
Tract " opposite Pittsburg, arranging the same, as far as possi- 
ble, in their chronological order, commencing with the date of 



6 INTRODUCTION 

their survey and early settlement, and bringing them down 
to the present day : they have been carefully gleaned from 
reliable sources, and every effort made to render them correct 
in every particular. He does not expect to offer much that is 
new, especially to those who possess the opportunity to examine 
for themselves the records which have from time to time been 
written on the prolific subject of the early settlers of the coun- 
try around the " Forks : " his aspirations are of a more humble 
nature, and he trusts that his efforts in this direction will not 
be considered valueless. His object is to furnish information 
to those who have not the facilities to investigate such matters, 
nor the spare time necessary for such investigation. 

He will aim to treat his subject in a plain and simple manner, 
with the hope that his efforts will enable the reader to form 
some conception of the change in the country, from a savage 
and uncultivated condition to its present advancement in civili- 
zation and the useful arts. 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ALLEGHENY AND 

RESERVE TRACT. 



The written history of the town of Allegheny and Reserve 
Tract opposite Pittsburg, is exceedingly meagre and unsatis- 
factory. Subsequent to the date of its survey, and opening 
for sale of lots, but little is known, except what may be 
gleaned from newspaper scraps, and a few antiquated direc- 
tories published in the neighboring city of Pittsburg. There 
has been scarcely an effort made to redeem from oblivion the 
history of a locality fraught with so many dangers "by flood 
and field," and rich in scenes of other days. 

" The Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg," as it is called, to- 
gether with the town of Allegheny, was ordered by the Supreme 
Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 
be surveyed and laid out as a manor, or reserve, Sept. ii, 1787, 
and was fully accomplished the following year. {Vide Colonial 
Records, vol. xv. p. 509, etc.) The town, as originally laid out, 
contained 144 lots, each 60 feet by 240 feet, in blocks of 240 
feet square. Four of these blocks, in the centre of the town 
plan, were reserved and designed for public buildings, etc. 
The whole surrounded by the common ground, which is 60 
feet wide on the south, 250 feet on the north and east, and 
1,400 feet on the west, containing an area of 102 acres, and 
was designed for a common pasturage for cattle. It was re- 
spectively named East, West, North, and South Commons. 

The grants, however, to the Western Penitentiary, Theologi- 
cal Seminary, and the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad, have 
reduced the area to about eighty acres. It is now laid out in 
beautiful " parks," ornamental walks and drives, and filled with 



8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

trees, shrubbery, flowers, fountains, lakes, monuments, etc., 
alike conducive to the health and happiness of the inhabitants 
of both cities. 

Up to the year 1788, the jurisdiction of Westmoreland 
County extended over a large portion of the territory now 
embraced in the county of Allegheny: the seat of justice 
was then established at Hannah'stown, thirty miles east of 
Pittsburg. 

In the fall of 1788, it was ordained by supreme executive 
authority to erect a new county out of parts of Westmore- 
land and Washington Counties, to be called Allegheny. By the 
provisions of the Act, the seat of justice was temporarily estab- 
lished at Pittsburg until certain trustees named therein should 
construct suitable public buildings on the Reserve Tract 
"opposite Pittsburg" on the public square in the town of 
Allegheny. 

The following report of the surveyor, D. Redick, to the 
Supreme Executive Council, clearly indicates his estimation of 
the propriety of laying out a town in this locality : — 

" I went with several gentlemen to fix on a spot for laying out the town 
opposite Pittsburg, and at the same time took a general view of the tract, 
and find it far inferior to my expectation, although I thought I had been no 
stranger to it. There is some pretty low ground on the rivers Ohio and 
Allegheny ; but there is but a small proportion of dry land, which appears 
any way valuable, either for timber or soil, but especially for soil : it abounds 
with high hills and deep hollows, almost inaccessible to a surveyor. I am of 
the opinion, that if the inhabitants of the moon are capable of receiving the 
same advantages from the earth which we do from the world, — I say, if it be 
so, this same famed tract of land would afford a variety of beautiful lunar 
spots, not unworthy the eye of a philosopher. I cannot think that ten-acre 
lots on such pits and hills will possibly meet with purchasers, unless, like a 
pig in a poke, it be kept out of view. Would it not be of more advantage to 
the State if the Legislature would alter the law, — that a town and a reason- 
able number of out-lots for the accommodation of the town be laid out, the 
remainder of the lands be laid off in two-hundred-acre lots, fronting on 
the rivers when practicable, and extending back so as to include the hills 
and uneven ground, which might be of some use to a farm ? 

" I cannot believe but that Col. Lowry and Col. Irwin will on considera- 
tion be of opinion with me, that small lots on the sides of those hills can 
never be of use for any purpose but as above mentioned. Perhaps council 
may think proper to lay the matter before the Legislature. I shall go on 



HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ALLEGHENY. 9 

to do the business as soon as the weather will admit; and before I shall have 
proceeded further than may accord wit'i the plan here proposed, I may 
have the necessary information, whether to go on as the law now directs, or 
not. 

"Washington, Feb. 19, 1788." 

The project of locating the county-seat on the north of the 
Allegheny River having met with a determined opposition on 
the part of the citizens of Pittsburg, the section in reference to 
location was deemed inexpedient to carry out : in view of which, 
a supplementary Act was passed early in the following spring 
repealing this feature, and authorizing the trustees to purchase 
ground on the Pittsburg side of the river for public buildings, 
etc., thus fixing the seat of justice for Allegheny County. 

The Reserve Tract, as laid out by the authority aforesaid, 
contains an area of over 3,000 acres, divided into lo-acre lots 
more or less, numbered from i to 2^6 inclusive, except the 
tract containing 312 A., 3 R., 15 P., patented to James O'Hara, 
May 5, 1789, consideration £21^, \2s., 6d., located in the 
Butcher-run district, and is described as high, rough land, em- 
bracing the rugged hillsides of the Allegheny Valley. 

It is bounded on the north by a line commencing at a point 
on the Ohio River near the mouth of Wood's Run, thence 
north 87^° east 972 P. to a hickory, thence north 2^° west 
80 P. to a sassafras, thence north ^7^° east 229.5 P. to a maple, 
thence north 2i° west to Keystones, thence north ^yh^ east 
85 P. to a point near where Girty's Run empties into the Alle- 
gheny River ; on the south and east by the Allegheny River, 
and on the west by the Ohio River. 

It commences with No. i on the west, and follows the mean- 
derings of the rivers. No. 70 being the extreme eastern number : 
the balance of the numbers are somewhat erratic in the order 
of numbering; the highest, being No. 276, is located on south- 
east corner of Western and Irwin Avenues. 

All this territory is hallowed by the memory of the past : 
over it the merciless Indian roamed, the undisputed master, and 
claimed the country lying between the Ohio and Allegheny 
Rivers and the great lakes of the north, bidding defiance to his 
indomitable Anglo-Saxon foe. 



lO HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

The startling war-whoop, and no less appalling cry of the 
panther, struck terror into the hearts of all who had the temer- 
ity to venture within the depths of its gloomy forests. 

Westward from Smoky Island the great Indian trail led 
through this territory to the mouth of the Big Beaver, thence 
in a north-west direction to Sandusky and Detroit ; following 
the ridges, it passed through Trumbull and Portage Counties, 
Ohio ; it is clearly defined by stone piles and trees, the bark of 
which had been carefully removed from one side, and rude fig- 
ures cut thereon. Near the junction of the Mahoning and the 
Shenango, forming the Beaver, another trail crossed this one, 
following a more westerly course to the Tuscarawas branch of 
the Muskingum. Over these trails, the wild nomads made 
their periodical raids upon the settlements, unchecked, except 
when opposed by the avant-courier of civilization, — the ven- 
turesome pioneer, and brave and hardy scout. Notwithstand- 
ing the important treaty made with the Six Nations at Fort 
Stanwell, in the State of New York, in 1784, by which their 
title to the country above described was extinguished, they still 
continued their atrocities upon the defenceless pioneer who 
had the hardihood to brave the dangers consequent upon the 
settlement of an unknown country. 



BOROUGH OF ALLEGHENY. 1 1 



BOROUGH OF ALLEGHENY. 



The town of Allegheny was created a borough by the Act of 
the General Assembly approved the fourteenth day of April, 
A.D. 1828, with the following described boundaries : Begin- 
ning on the bank of the Allegheny River, corner of East Lane ; 
thence by the north-east line of said lane to the north-west 
line of the Butler Turnpike ; thence along the same to the line 
between out-lots Nos. 140 and 145 ; thence north 14° w est by 
the line between lots Nos. 140, 145, 141, 144, 142, 143, :o the 
high, rough tract granted by patent to James O'Hara, May 5, 
A.D. 1789; thence by the same ^6^ west to lot No. 148; 
thence north 14° west by the line of out-lots Nos. 148, 149, 
and 150 to the north-east corner of out-lot No. 150; thence 
south ^6° west by the line dividing out-lots Nos. 150, 151, 174, 
175, 182, and 183 to the north-east line of Pasture Lane, now 
Irwin Avenue ; thence by the same south 14° east to the 
north-west corner of Water Lane, now Western Avenue ; 
thence by the same south 'j6° west to the south-west corner 
of Ferry Lane, now Beaver Avenue ; thence by the same south 
to the Ohio River ; thence by the various courses of the Ohio 
and Allegheny Rivers to the place of beginning. 

By the Act of the 14th April, A.D. 1838, the foregoing was 
repealed, and the boundaries were established as follows, to 
wit : — 

Beginning at a point on the Allegheny River, where " Saw- 
mill Run " empties into the said river ; thence by the centre of 
said run northwardly to the point where it strikes the northern 
line of out-lot No. 142 ; thence west by the said line of out-lots 
Nos. 142 and 143 south 'j6° to out-lot No. 148 ; thence north 



12 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

14° west by the cast line of out-lots Nos. 148, 149, and 150 to 
the north-east corner of the latter ; thence south 76° west by 
the dividing line between out-lots Nos. 150, 151, 174, 175, and 
183 to the north-east line of Pasture Lane, now Irwin Avenue ; 
thence by the same northwardly to Island Lane, now Wash- 
ington Avenue ; thence westwardly by the north line of said 
Island Lane to a street running southwardly between out-lots 
Nos. 251, 250, 257, and 256 (Sedgewick Street) ; thence south 
by the west line of said street to Ohio Lane, now Pennsylvania 
Avenue ; thence by the north line of said lane to Fulton 
Street, the dividing line between out-lots Nos. 261, 262, 270, 
and 269 ; thence by the west line of said street to Water Lane, 
now Western Avenue; thence by the northern line of Water 
Lane to the south-west line of Ferry Lane, now Beaver 
Avenue ; thence by the same south 14° east to the Ohio 
River ; thence by the same and the Allegheny River by the 
several courses of the same to the place of beginning. 

One of the items connected with the history of the north 
side, and of which there is no particular record, is only here 
adverted to with the hope that it may prove of sufficient inter- 
est to those whose long associations with the locality justify 
them for the time spent in its perusal. 

During the year 1835, Stephen Colwell and Charles S. Brad- 
ford, for themselves and others, purchased about 1 50 acres lying 
east of Ferry Lane, which was then embraced within the limits 
of Reserve township. This purchase was made with a view to 
lay out a town : it was surveyed and laid out in lots in the fol- 
lowing year, and was called Chatham in honor of Sir William 
Pitt, Earl of Chatham, who, upon his accession as Premier of 
England, evinced his friendship, and became the sturdy de- 
fender of the infant colonies. His appeals to the British nation 
in their behalf from the aggression of France and the cruel red 
men are matters of history, and need not be repeated here. 
The town project, however, proved a failure, situated, as it 
was, between Allegheny and Manchester ; and when about to 
rise into some importance, the extension of the boundaries of 
Allegheny, and subsequently Manchester, absorbed all the land 
embraced in its survey. 



AN ORDINANCE. . 1 3 



AN ORDINANCE 

CREATING THE OFFICES OF FIRE WARDENS AND BELL RINGER. 



Sec. I. Be it ordained and enacted by the Burgess and Council of 
Allegheny, That annually hereafter each of the different Fire Companies of 
Allegheny, shall on or before the i^th day of January, in each year, re- 
port the names of eight persons to the Council, of whom four shall be 
elected at the election of the other Borough ofiScers, for each company, to 
serve for one year, and until others be elected ; and in failure of the Fire 
Companies recommending individuals for Fire Wardens, then the Coun 
cil shall proceed, without such recommendation, to elect the said Wardens, 
four for each Company , and the Wardens so elected shall wear on their 
hats a distinguishing badge, and also a staff of office ; they shall be 
present at all fires in the Borough, & preserve the apparatus from wilful 
mjury, direct the protection of private property, and remove the crowd, or 
any other obstruction that may impede the successful operations of the 
Firemen. 

Sec. 2. That annually hereafter, at the time of electing Borough officers, 
the Council shall elect one suitable person as Bell Ringer; whose duty it 
shall be to ring the Bell at such times as the Council may direct, sweep 
the rooms, and light fire and candles in the Council Room, at such times 
as the Town Clerk may direct. He shall, also, take charge of the Engine 
and Hose belonging to the Borough, and shall carefully preserve and clean 
the apparatus, or any part thereof, as often as he may be required so to do 
by the Captains of the different Fire Companies ; — for all of which duties 
he shall be entitled to the yearly compensation of Sixty Dollars, to be paid 
in quarterly payments. 

Ordained and enacted into a law this 26th day of January, A.D. 1838. 

JOHN TASSEY, President of Council. 

Attest. GEO. R. RIDDLE, Town Clerk. 

Approved; In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and 
caused the seal of the Corporation to be affixed, January 26, 1838. 

HUGH DAVIS, Bnrgess. 



14 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE BOROUGH OF ALLEGHENY 
SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION. 



BURGESS. 

John Irwin, 1829 to 1834. Hugh Davis, 1835 to 1838. 

John Morrison, 1839 to 1840. 

COUNCIL. 

James Brown, President, 1828, 1829, 1834. 

Isaac Lightner, President, 1830, 183 1. 

John Tassey, President, 1832, 1833, 1835-1837, 1839. 

John Hannen, President, 1S38. 

S S. Shields, President, 1840. 
John Meason, 1828 Robert Stewart, 1828, 1829, 1839, 1840. 

Robert Campbell, 1828 to 1831. Richard Gray, 1828 to 1831, 1836. 

William Savory, 1828. P'oster Graham, 1S28, 1829. 

William Lecky, 1828, 1829, 1837, 1838. Isaac Lightner, 182S, 1829, 1833 to 1835. 



E. G. Nelson, 1829. 
David Maclean, 1830, 1831. 
John Hannen, 1830, 183 1, 1837. 
Robert McElhenny, 1830. 
James Brown, 1831, 1833, 1835, '^36. 
A. H. Harvey, 1832. 
Hugh Smith, 1832, 1833. 
Charles Plumb, 1832. 

Jacob Geyer, 1832. 
John Keown, 1833, 1^34- 
J. J. Carpenter, 1834, 1835. 
Nathaniel Moloneux, 1834. 
William A. Irvine, 1S35, 1838, 1840. 

Robert Davis, 1836. 
Samuel S. Shields, 1836, 1838, 1839. 
R. A. Campbell, 1837, 1838. 
William H. Clarke, 1837, 1S38. 
William A. Charlton, 1839, 1S40. 
Peter Baird, 1840. 



Enoch Wright, 1829. 

John TasseY; 1830, 1831, 1834, 1838. 

James Correy. 1S30 

John Patterson, 1830, 1831. 

Samuel B. McKenzie, 1831. 

Thomas J. Pearson, 1832. 

William Herron, 1832, 1833. 

Thomas Barnett, 1832, 1S33, 1S36 to 

1839. 
William Fitzsimmons, 1832 to 1835, 
Sylvanus Lothrop, 1S33. 
James Dawson, 1834, 1835. 
John Morrison, 1834 to 1836. 
William Robinson, Jun., 1835, 1S39, 

1840. 
Archibald Lamont, 1836, 1837. 
Nicholas Voeghtly, 1836. 
Henry Irwin, 1837 to 1840. 
H. Nixon, 1837 to 1839. 
G. E. Warner, 1839. 
James A. Gray, 1840. 



Lot O. Reynolds, 1840. 



OFFICERS OF THE BOROUGH OF ALLEGHENY. 1 5 



R. A. Campbell, 1828. 
John Morrison, 1829-1833. 



CLEKK OF COUNCIL. 



George R. Riddle, 1834-1838. 
Thomas L. McMillan, 1839-1840. 



TREASURER. 



Hugh Davis, 1828, 1829. 

William Robinson, Jun., 1830-1835. 

John Patterson, 1836. 



John Morrison, 1S37, 1838. 
John Hannen, 1839, 1840. 



HIGH CONSTABLE AND COLLECTOR. 



Jacob Sloterback, 1828-1834. 
Thomas Farley, 1835. 
Andrew Barclay, 1836. 



William Skyles, 1837. 

Archibald Montgomery, i 838-1840. 



STREET-COMMISSIONER. 



Thomas Sample, 182S. 
Robert Bryan, 1829. 
Robert Stewart, 1830, 1831. 
Andrew Erwin, 1832. 



James Dawson, 1833. 
William Lightner, 1834-1836. 
Sylvester Tyler, 1837. 
Archibald Montgomery, 1838-1840. 



Thomas Sample, 1828 -1831. 
William Robinson, Jun., 1832, 1833 
Thomas L. McMillan, 1834. 
Samuel Carr, 1S35. 

COLLECTOR OF TAXES. 



ASSESSOR. 

Thomas Farley, 1836. 

William Davidson, 1837, 1839, 1840. 

Alexander Cameron, 1S38. 



Jacob Sloterback, 1S28. 
R. A. Campbell, 1830, 1831. 
Thomas Farley, 1833, 1S34. 
Alexander Cameron, 1838. 



Hugh Fleming, 1829. 
David White, 1832. 
John Gormley, 1835-1S37. 
William Davidson, 1S39, 18 ;.o. 



1828. Robert Bowman, 

1829. Robert Bowman, 

1830. Robert Bowman, 
1S31. Robert Bowman, 

1832. James Gilchrist, 

1833. James Sterritt, 

1834. James Sterritt, 

1835. James Sterritt, 

1536. James Sterritt, 

1537. James Sterritt, 
183S James Sterritt, 

1839. James Sterritt, 

1840. James Sterritt, 



RECORDING REGULATORS. 

John Orr, 
Thomas Sample, 
Thomas Sample, 
Thomas Sample, 
John Stoddart, 
John Stoddart, 
Thomas Barnett, 
Thomas Barnett, 
Joseph Turner, 
Joseph Turner, 
Joseph Turner, 
Richard Dewhurst. 
Richard Dewhurst, 



John Stoddart. 
James Gilchrist. 
James Gilchrist. 
James Gilchrist. 
James Sterritt. 
George A. Kurtz. 
George A. Kurtz. 
H. Nixon. 
H. Nixon. 
Joseph Irwin. 
James Richey. 
Joseph Irwin. 
Joseph Irwin. 



l6 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



FIRE-WAKDENS. 

1840. Phcenix Engine Company. Thomas Farley, S. S. Shields, William M. 

Uavis, \\. Dehaven. 
1840. Cohiinhia Engine Company. Peter Boisol, Thomas Barnett, William 

Davidson, J. Geyer. 

EOARD-MEASURERS. 

1828. RoRERT Bowman, David Wilson, William Frazier. 

1829. Robert Bowman, David Wilson, William Frazier. 

1530. Foster Graham, J. C. Downer, John Downing. 

1531. John Downing, William D. Crawford, William H. Clarke. 
1832. John Downing, L. O. Reynolds, William Frazier. 

1533. John Downing, H. Nixon, J. B. McKeown. 

1534. John Downing, H. Nixon, William H. Clarke. 

1535. John Downing, George A. Kurtz, William H. Clarke. 
1836. John Downing, George A. Kurtz, William H. Clarke. 

1S37. William Hutchison, James Richey, Thomas Farley, Nathan Car- 
lisle 

183S. Nathan Carlisle, William Knepper, James Richey, George A. 
Kurtz. 

1839. Nathan Carlisle, Henry Hine, George A. Kurtz, James Richey. 

1S40. James L. Morris, Benjamin Patterson, George A. Kurtz, James 
Richey. 

INSPECTOR AND MEASURER OF COAL, ETC. 

John McGrew, 1830-1S33. William Davidson, 1S36-1838, 1840. 

John Street, 1S34. Nathan Carlisle, 1S39. 

David Adams, 1835. 

WEIGH-MASTER. 
James Munden, 1S38-1S40. 

CLERK OF MARKET. 

James Munden, 1S31, 1834, 1S35, 1837- William Lightner, 1833. 

1840. James Miller, 1836. 

John Street, 1832. 

BOARD OF HEALTH. 

Drs. Dale, Henderson, and Smith. 
ist Ward. Messrs. Geyer and Smith. 2d Ward Messrs. Tassey and Herron. 
3d Ward. Messrs. Pearson and P'itzsimmons. * 

4th Ward Messrs. Plumb and Barnett. 
Commissioners, Rev. Joseph Stockton and David White. 



OFFICERS OF THE BOROUGH OF ALLEGHENY. 17 



BELL-RINGER AND MESSENGER. 

Thomas Griffiths, 1836, 1837. William McDonald, 1S38. 

George McIntyre, 1839, 1S40. 



SOLICITOR. 
William O. H. Robinson, 1S36-1S40. 



1 8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 



On the thirteenth day of April, A.D. 1840, it was enacted by the Sen- 
ate and House of Representatives, in General Assembly met, that the 
inhabitants of the borough of Allegheny, in the county of Allegheny, 
be constituted a body politic, by the name and style of " the Mayor, 
Aldermen, and Citizens of Allegheny." 

In pursuance of the Act of the General Assembly of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, approved the thirteenth day of April, A.D. 1840, 
incorporating the city of Allegheny, the election for city officers to be 
held at the following places : to wit, — 

1st Ward, at the house of Harmon Dehaven. 
2d Ward, at the house of John Ghoering. 
3d Ward, at the house of Charles Vick. 
4th Ward, at the house of Hugh Sweeney. 

The following members of council were appointed to hold the elec- 
tion on the second Tuesday of July, A.D. 1840. 

ist Ward, Henry Irwin, William A. Charlton. 
2d Ward, Robert Stewart, Peter Beard. 
3d Ward, L. O. Reynolds, William H. Irvine. 
4th Ward, William Robinson, Jun., James A. Gray. 

The borough council adjourned finally, to meet the mayor and city 
councils elect on the 1 7th of July, at ten o'clock a.m., to partake in the 
ceremonies of inauguration, etc. 



LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY SINCE ItS 

ORGANIZATION. 

MAYORS. 

Gen. William RoniNSON, Jun., 1840. Hezekiah Nixon, 1S44, 1845. 
Thomas Sample, 184 i. R. S. Cassett, 1846. 

William B. Foster, 1842, 1843. Henry Campbell, 1847, 1848. 



OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 



19 



Jonathan Rush, 1849. 

H. S. Fleming, 1S50-52. 

R. W. Park, 1853. 

William B. Adams, 1854-1856. 

Harmon Dehaven, 1857. 

Jacob Stuckrath, 1S5S. 

John Morrison, 1859, 1S60. 

Simon Drum, 1S61, 1862. 

A. C. Alexander, 1863, 1S64. 

John Morrison, 1S65-1867. 

Simon Drum. 186S, 1869. 



A. P. Callow, 1S70-1874. Died during 

1874- 
David Neely, elected by councils for 30 

days. 
H. S. Fleming, for unexpired term of A. 
P. Callow. 

0. Phillips, 1875-1S77. 

Thomas Magraw, 1878-1S80. Term ex- 
pires April, 1S81. 
L. Peterson, Jun., April i, 18S1. 

1. G. Wyman, April i, 1884. 



James Brown, 1840, 1841. 

H. Nixon, 1842. 

E. W. Stephens, 1843, 1844. 

John Tassey, 1845, 1846. 

R. S. Cassett, 1847, 1848. 

William Robinson, Jun., 1849 to 1856, 



PRESIDENTS OF SELECT COUNCIL. 

Jacob Painter, 1857, 1858. 
James Marshall, 1S59 to 1865. 
James McBrier, 1866 to 1874. 
Joshua Patterson, 1875 to 1878. 
A. D. Armstrong, 1879 to 1883. 
James H. Lindsay, 1S83. 



PRESIDENTS OF COMMON COUNCIL. 



Henry Irwin, 1840 to 1844. 
G. E. Warner, 1845 to 1849. 
William Boyd, 1850 to 1852. 
James Park, Jun., 1853. 
William Chambers, 1854. 
James Marshall, 1855. 
John Atwell, 1856. 
John W. Barr, 1857. 
J. Gardner Coffin, 1858. 
H. S. Fleming, 1859. 
Joseph Kirkpatrick, i860. 
A. D. Smith, i86i, 1862. 
John Brown, Jun., 1863. 



James McBrier, 1S64. 
Simon Drum, 1865. 
George D. Riddle, 1866, 1867. 
John S. Slagle, 1868. 
Alfred Slack, 1S69. 
Henry Warner, 1870. 
Alfred Slack, 1S71-1873. 
Henry M. Long, 1874. 
William P. Price, 1S75. 
J. O. S. Golden, 1876. 
James Hunter, 1877. 
George W. Snaman, 1878-1880. 
James Hunter, 1881. 



CLERKS OF SELECT AND COMMON COUNCILS. 

SELECT. COMMON. 

George R. Riddle, 1840 to 1842. C. Plumb, iS40to 1S42. 

J. J. Carpenter, 1S43 to July 17, 1851. H. J. Lemon, 1S43 to 1846. 
H.J. Lemon, July 17, i85i,to Jan., 1854. J. W. Kennedy, 1S47 to 1848. 
David Macferron, Jan., 1S54, to Jan., M. McGonnigle, 1849 to 1865. 

1868. Robert Dilworth, 1866 to 18S0. 

J. R, Oxley, Jan., 1S69, to Feb., 1873. 
R, T. White, Feb., 1873. 

TREASURERS. 



John Hannen, 1840-1842. 
Thomas H. Stewart, 1843 to 1S47. 
John H. Stewart, 1848, 1S49. 



Jonathan Rush, 1S50-1S53. 
Henry Campbell, 1S54-1857. 
David Macferron, 1858. 



20 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



SOLICITORS. 



William O'Hara Robinson, 1841. 
Thomas McConnell, 1842. 
William O'Hara Robinson, 1843, 1844. 
Thomas Williams, 1S45-1S47. 
Stephen H. Geyer, 184S to 1S56. 



David W. Cell, 1S57 to 1S59. 
S. ScHOYER, Jun., 1S60 to 1S65. 
M. A. Woodward, 1866. 
J. C. McCoMBS, 1S67 to 1869. 
William L. Rodgers, 1S70. 



CONTROLLEES. 

R. B. Francis, 1865 to 1869. Re- William M. Porter, 1S70, 187 1 
signed. signed March i, 1S72. 

James Brown, March i, 1872. 



Re- 



RECORDING REGULATORS. 



CHIEFS. 

1S40. James Sterritt. 

1841. James Sterritt. 

1842. Jacob Stroop. 

1843. Richard Dewhurst. 

1844. Richard Dewhurst. 

1845. James Richey. 

1846. James Richey. 

1847. JamSs Richey. 

1848. James Richey. 

1849. James Richey. 

1850. W. A. P. Eberhart. 
1S51. W. A. P. Eberhart. 

1852. James Richey, 

1853. James Richey. 
1S54. James Richey. 

1855. James Richey. 

1856. Alexander Hays. 

1857. Isaac Morley. 

1858. Isaac Morley. 

1859. William McHendry. 
i860. William McHendry. 

1861. William McHendry. 

1862. William McHendry. 

1563. William McHendry. 

1564. William McHendry. 

1865. William McHendry. 

1866. William McHendry. 
1S67. Charles Davis. 



ASSISTANTS. 



Joseph Irwin, Richard Dewhurst. 
Charles Plumb, Richard Dewhurst. 
James Richey, Richard Dewhurst. 
James Richey, John Stoddart. 
James Richey, John Stoddart. 
Joseph Irwin, John Stoddart. 
S. Alexander, John Stoddart. 
William Brown, John Stoddart. 
N. Carlisle, John Stoddart. 
William Brown, John Stoddart. 
Joseph Irwin, John Stoddart. 
Joseph Irwin, John Stoddart. 
Joseph Irwin, John Stoddart. 
T. J. Moore, John Stoddart. 
Joseph Irwin, John Stoddart. 
Hugh McCormick, John Stoddart. 
William Wilson, John Stoddart. 
Robert R. Ray, John Stoddart. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 
Robert R. Ray. 



CITT ENGINEER, 



Charles D.wis, 1S6S to 1876. N. M. McDowell, 1877 to Nov., 1879. 
Charles Ehlers, Nov., 1S79. 



OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 21 

BOARD OF SCHOOL CONTROLLERS. 

Organized June i, 1854. 

PRESIDENTS. 

Rev. John T. Pressly, D.D., from June i, 1854, to February, 1861. 
James Brown, M.D., from February, 1861, to February, 1865. 
Rev. J. B. Clark, D.D., from February, 1865, to February, 1870. 
Rev. Joseph King, from February, 1870, to March, 1S77. 
David B. Oliver, from March, 1S77, to 18S5. 
J. A. Emery, March, 1S85. 

SECRETARIES. 

James T. Sample, from June i, 1S54, to February, 1857. 
David Macferron, from February, 1S57, to June, 1S63. 
Matthias McGonnigle, from June, 1863, to February, 1864. 
R. B. Francis, from February, 1864, to February, 1870. 
C. W. Benney, from February, 1870. 

SUPERINTENDENTS.- 

Professor John Davis, from Sept. 2, 1873, ^'^ ^^7 7' ^^7^- 
Professor L. H. Darling, from May 7, 1878, to May 7, 1881. 
Professor John Morrow, May 7, 1S81. 

LIBRARMS. 

C. W. Benney, from 1S72' to 1876. 
James W. Benney, from 1876. 

The first post-ofifice in Allegheny was established in 1836, under the 
administration of Andrew Jackson. It was located on the west side of 
the diamond, between Ohio Street and Gay Alley ; from here it was re- 
moved to the south side of the diamond, between Federal Street and 
Middle Alley ; thence to the north-east corner of Federal Street and the 
canal. From this point, it was removed to the west side of Federal 
Street, between Lacock and the canal ; from here to the east side of 
Federal Street, between South Common (now Stockton Avenue) and 
Water Alley (now Park Way) . It was next removed to the north side 
of Park Way, between Federal and Sandusky Streets ; subsequently from 
Park Way to the north-west corner of Federal and Lacock Streets ; and 
in 1865 it was finally removed to City Hall. 

' The public library having been turned over to the Board of Controllers, they assumed the control 
of the same in 1872. * 



22 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



POSTMASTERS. 

1. Dr. E. Henderson. Appointed under Jackson's administration. He died 

soon after his appointment ; his wife appointed to fill vacancy. 

2. George R. Riddle, Appointed under Van Buren's administration ; resigned 

during the year 1840, and was succeeded by 

3. G. L. DoANE. Appointed under Van Buren's administration. 

4. R. C. Fluson. Appointed under Harrison's administration. 

5. William Karns. Appointed under Polk's administration. 

6. John McGrew. Appointed under Taylor's and Fillmore's administration. 

7. Thomas Farley. Appointed under Pierce's administration. 

8. William M. Stewart. Appointed under Buchanan's administration. 

9. Samuel Riddle. Appointed under Lincoln's administration. 

ID. A. L. Robinson. Appointed under Johnson's administration ; appointment 
not confirmed. 

11. Hugh McKelvey. Appointed under Johnson's administration. 

12. John A. Myler. Appointed under Grant's administration ; still in office. 

13. John Swan, Jan. i, 1S86. 



STREET-COMMISSIONER. 



Archibald Montgomery, 1840 to 1842 
James Miller, 1843 to 1S48. 
Sylvester Tyler, 1S49, 1851 to 1853. 
Arthur Hobson, 1S54 to 1S65. 
Thomas Megraw, 1S66 to 1873. 



W. W. Tyson (eastern district), 1874, 1875. 
Alexander Hanna (western district), 

1874 to 18S0. 
H. Nesmith (eastern district), 1876 to 

iSSo. 



BOARD-MEASUREES. 



James Richey, 1840 to 1847. 

James P. Morris, 1S40. 
Joseph Black, 1841, 1842. 
Isaac Patterson, 1841. 
John Stoddard, 1S43, i844' 
Thomas Barnett, 1S49. 

John Evans, 1845. 
James Rynd, 1848. 
James Scott, 1849. 

E. Wellever, 1850. 

Jacob Sprinkle, 1851. 

James H. Logan, 1852 to 1858. 

Samuel W. McGinnis, 1852 to 1S66. 

A. Bungy, 1854. 

Henry Price, 1855. 

Ernest Faulhaber, 1856, i860 to 1S62, 

John Francis, 1S59, 1S65. 

C. Y. Ingham, 1S64, 1866. 



George A. Kurtz, 1840, 1842, 1844, 

Benjamin Patterson, 1840. 
Alexander Moore, 1841. 
Joseph Irwin, 1S42, 1843. 
E. Derby, 1843, 1S45 to 1S51. 
Andrew Davidson, 1845 to 1S48, 1866 

to 1880. 
John McGrew, 1846, 1S47. 
Robert Brown, 1848, 1849, 1863. 
William Murdock, 1849 to 1851, 1856 

to 1S60, 1S62 to 1870. 
Leonard Walter, 1850, 1852. 
James Todd, 1851. 
Benjamin Randlett, 1852. 
David Blackstock, 1S53. 
A. Gray, 1854, 1S59 to 1S63. 
R. M. Reed, 1S55. 
Hugh McNeil, 1857, 1858. 
Alfred Slack, 1861. 
James McCormick, 1864. 



OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 



23 



Robert White, 1865, 1S67 to 1874, 

1876 to 1880. 
Michael Seimon, 1868, 1869, 187 1 to 

1877. 
Alexander Campbell, 1868, 1875. 
Thomas H. Gilson, 1869 to 1874, 1877, 

1879. 
William S. Oakley, 1869, 1870, 1872 

to 1878, 1880, 
W. P IFFT, 1870. 

John McDowell, 1870 to 1873, 1875. 
James McVeigh, 187 i, 1874, 1876, 1877, 

1879, 1S80. 
John Donaldson. 1872. 
Charles H. Phillips, 1872, 
George Fink, 1873 to 1877, 1879, '880. 
James Douglass, 1874. 
f. commerford, 1875. 
M. Baird, 1875. 
William Beecher, 1877. 
George Snyder, 1877. 
John Williams, 1878. 
A. Johnston, 1878-1S80. 
P Sauer, 1878. 
Peter Streipeke, 1879. 
Joseph Dierstein, 1879. 
Leonard Steinbruner, 1879, 1880. 
Joseph Sprague, i88o. 

J. HiLLANGASS, lS8o. 

CLERK OF 

James Munden, 1840, 1841, 
William Scott, 1843 'o i^Si- 
Duncan Dallas, 1863 to 1872 



Fred Becker, 1867. 

Robert M. Parke, 1868 to 1880. 

Joseph Lofink, 1868. 
Martin Ley, 1869. 



F. Erck, 1870 to 1873, 1S76 to 1878. 
James G. Downie, 1871. 
Samuel Doeball, 187 i. 

R. Donaldson, 1874 to 1879. 

Charles P. Streight, 1873. 

George Krebs, Jim., 1874, 1875. 

William Fincher, 1874. 

Samuel Bennett, 1875, iS7S» ^^79- 

William F, Trimble, 1876, 1878, 1880. 

B. F. Biber, 1877. 

William Miller, 1878. 

Michael Woods, 1878. 

William Phillippi, 1S78, 1879. 

E. Kenna, 1S79. 
Theo. Streipeke, 1880. 
William Barclay, 1879. 
George W, Day, 18S0. 

F. Stahle, 1880. 

MARKETS. 

David Hartz, 1842. 

M. McGonnigle, 1852 to 1862. 

p. Hastings, 1873 to 1880. 



MEASURERS AND INSPECTORS OF COAL, WOOD, AND BARK. 



William Davidson, 1840. 

Thomas L. McMillan, 1847 to 1851. 

ScHouPE, 1853. 
S. W. McGinnis, 1855 to 1857. 
William Boden, 1869. 
A. Hazlett, 187 1. 



Charles Plumb, 1841 to 1846. 

Benjamin Luker, 1852. 

John Stoddart, 1854. 

Alexander Maxwell, 1858 to 1868. 

C. Ackerman, 1870. 

William Greenawalt, 1872^10 r880i 



WEIGH-MASTER. 



James McVicker, 1842 to 1849. 

John Chambers, 1S52 to 1858. 

John Chambers, i860, 1861 (2d ward). 



Thomas L. McMillan, 1850, 1851. 
John Moon, 1S59, i860 (Diamond). 
Robert Enis, 1861, 1862 (Diamond). 



24 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



John A. White, 1S62, 1863 (2d ward). 

William F. Anderson, 1864 to 1S66 

(2d ward). 
Hugh Larimer, 1867 (2d ward). 

John D. McCalmster, 1868 (2d ward). 

James Hunter, 1S69 (2d ward). 

R, T. White, 187010 1872 (2d ward). 

D. J. ■RoDEN, 1S73 to 1S77 (2d ward). 
G Wittach, 1878 to 18S0 (2d ward). 



William Scandrett, 1S63, 1864 (Dia- 
mond). 
John S. Edgar, 1866, 1867 (Diamond). 

George B, McNulty, 1868 to 1S78 (Dia- 
mond). 

Thomas Ward, 1S79 (Diamond). 

A. J, Chambers, 1S80 (Diamond). 

Isaac Hipsley, 1S74, 1876 to 1878 (4th 
ward). 

Victor Pauline, 1875 (4th ward). 

Thomas Malley, 1879, 1S80 (4th ward). 



WHARF-MASTER. 



James Richey, 1S41, 1842. 

A. Montgomery, 1S43, 1S44, 1846 to 

1848. 
James Smith, 1845. 
William Wills, 1S49. 
R. M. Parke, 1S68 (West). 
George B. Giesinger, 1S69 (East). 
S. R. Davis, 1S69 to 1S76 (West). 
A. DuFFNER, 1S70 to 1S75 (East). 
S. Tylek, 1874, 1S77 (East). 



Alexander Johnston, 1850 to 1853. 
J. Hueston, 1S54 to 1S60. 
Alexander Maxwell, 1861, 1865. 
George Hutchison, 1866, 1867. 
John Blair, 1S6S (East). 
A. L. Faust, 1876 (Eastern District). 
D. F. Jackson, 1877 to 1S80 (Western 

District), 
W. H. H. Tyler, 1S78, 1879 (Eastern 

District). 



SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER-WORKS. 



Robert Moon, 1850. 
James Ray, 1851 to 1856. 
John Alston, 1857 to 1864. 
William Scandrett, 1S65. 
William D, Faulkner, 1866. 



George N. Miller, 1S67. 
William Paul, Jan., 1S68 to 1874. 
H. C. Richmond, 1S75 to 18S0. 
William H. Faulkner, 1878. 



SALT-INSPECTOR, 



A. Montgomery, 1S44. 
John Stoddart, 1845 to 1857. 
James Wilson, 1846. 
Thomas H. Smith, 1858, 1859. 



Alexander Maxwell, i860 to 1868. 

C. Ackerman, 1869, 1S70. 

N. Hazlett, 1871. 

William Greenawalt, 1872 to 1880. 



CITY ASSESSOR.' 



Thomas I. Pearson, 1841. 

James McVicker, 1S42. 

Andrew Alexander, 1843 to 1846. 

Thomas L. McMillan, 1S47 to 1S51. 

E. Derby, 1852, 1853. 

Z. Packard, 1854. 



Abraham Davis, 1865. 

M. McGonnigle, 1866. 

R. R. Ray, 1867 to 1872, 1874. 

Joseph Oxley, 1873. 

Thomas Ward, 187510 1S77. 

William P. Hunker, 1878 to 1880. 



William Wilson, 1855. 

* This office was abolished March 15, 1853, and re-established again in 1863. 



OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 2$ 



ASSESSOR OF WATER-EENTS. 

Jonathan Rush, 1S51, 1S52. Andrew Davidson, 1S57. 

E. Derby, 1S53. David Cornelius, 1868 to 1873. 

Z. Packard, 1854. James Nichols, 1874 to 1878. 

William Wilson, 1855. Samuel C. Grier, 1879 to 1880. 
Abraham Davis, 1S56, 1858 to 1S67. 

MEAT-INSPECTOR. 
William Zehnder, 1873, ^^74* Joseph A. Drexler, 1S75 to 1S80. 

CITY PHYSIOIANS. 
W. W. Cole, 1876, 1877. Thomas G. Herron, 1S7S to 1880. 

PARK-COMMISSIONERS.' 

MEMBERS OF COUNCILS APPOINTED. 

John S. Slagle, 1S68. Joseph Walton, 1S75. 

J. C. Patterson, 1S6S, 187 1, 1873, 1S75. J. D. Strouse, 1874. 

Alfred Slack, 1869 to 1873, 1876. William P. Price, 1875. 

Hugh McNeil, 1870 to 1S73. J. O. S. Golden, 1876. 
H, M. Long, 1874. 

APPOINTED FROM THE CITIZENS AT LARGE BY THE COUNCILS. 

Robert Lea, 1S68 to 1S76. Jonathan Gallagher, 186S (resigned). 

James Park, Jun., 186S to 1876. A. M. Marshall, 1869 to 1S76. 

BELL-RINGER AND MESSENGER.^ 

George McIntire, 1840 to 1850. Augustus M. Husselbaugh, 1851 to 

1854, 1858 to 1S73. 
J. R. Lupton, 1874 to 1880. 

MESSAGE CLERK. 
R. T. White, Jun., 18S1 to 18S4, Marshall W. White, 1885, 

CITT GAUGER. 
William Brown, 1862. 

JANITOR. 

Joseph Marshall, 1865 to 1873. ^- L. Kephart, 1S75. 

Matthew Kerr. 1874 to 1875. Frank Wadlow, 1S84. 

ASSISTANT STREET-COMMISSIONER. 
Isaac Stewart, 1868. 

» Abolished in 1876. 

^ The office of bell-ringer was abolished Jan. j6, 1855. 



26 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

The fire-alarm telegraph was organized and put in working order in 
the month of July, 1867. Number of signal-boxes in the original line, 
36 ; in the present line, 5 7. 

FIRE-DEPARTMENT. 

The ordinance creating the office of Chief Engineer of the Fire-De- 
partment was enacted by councils on the 27th of February, 1868. 

James E. Crow was elected chief engineer, March 12, 1868, and has 
been continued in office to the present time. Dec. 9, 1869, councils 
passed an ordinance creating the paid fire-department, which was in- 
augurated on the first day of February, 1870, under the auspices of the 
following committee : — 

J. E. B. Dalzell, Chairman. George F. Comley, 

Ormsby Phillips. James Gallery. 

Alexander Patterson. Alfred Slack. 
Samuel Hastings. 

The present force of the department consists of fifty-five men, includ- 
ing the Chief Engineer and Superintendent of Fire-Alarm Telegraph. 

There are nine first-class steamers, one of which is always held in 
reserve to take the place of any that may be undergoing repairs. The 
hose-carriages are ten in number, two of which are held in reserve in 
case of accidents. There are also thirty-six head of horses, two of 
which are held in reserve to supply the place of any that may become 
sick or disabled. 

CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE-DEFARTMENT. 
James E. Crow, from 1S69. 

SUFEEINTENDENT OF FIEE-ALAEM TELE&EAPH. 

L. D. McCandless, from 1870 to 1874 inclusive. 
G W Winn, from 1875. 



MANCHESTER. 2/ 



MANCHESTER. 



The original town of Manchester was laid out in 1832, by 
John Sampson, C. L. Armstrong, Thomas Barlow, Thomas 
Hazelton, and Samuel Hall. It was bounded on the north by 
Island Lane, now Washington Street ; on the east by Ferry 
Lane, now Beaver Avenue ; on the south by the division line of 
out-lots Nos. 19 and 20; and on the west by the Ohio River, 
It was incorporated as a borough by the court of Quarter Ses- 
sions, Nov. 2, A.D, 1843, under the Act of the Legislature 
approved April i, A.D. 1834. And subsequently, to wit, on 
the eighth day of April, A.D. 1854, upon application of the 
citizens, the court granted and decreed to said borough all the 
rights and privileges under the Act of the Legislature approved 
April 3, A.D. 185 1, entitled, "Act for the incorporation of bor- 
oughs, and repealing the provisions of the former Act as far 
as they may conflict with the provisions of said Act." The 
boundaries are as follows : viz.. Beginning at the intersection of 
Pasture and Strawberry Lanes ; thence by Pasture Lane and 
the boundary of the city of Allegheny 514° east 106^^ P. to the 
intersection of Pasture and Island Lanes ; thence by Island 
Lane and the boundary line of the city 576° west 120 P.; 
thence by the dividing line of out-lots Nos. 250 and 257 from 
Nos. 251 and 256, being also a boundary line of the said city; 
thence 514° east 80 P. to Ohio Lane, now Pennsylvania 
Avenue ; thence by said lane and the boundary line of Alle- 
gheny 576° west 40 P.; thence by said boundary and the east- 
ern boundary of out-lots Nos. 261 and 270 to Water Lane, now 
Western Avenue ; thence by said Water Lane and the boundary 
of said city aforesaid south 'jQ^ west 80 P. to Ferry Lane, now 



28 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Beaver Avenue ; thence by said lane southwardly to the Ohio 
River ; thence down said river by the several courses of the 
same to the dividing line between out-lots Nos. ii and 12 on 
the bank of the Ohio River ; thence by said dividing line north* 
'j6^ east 50 P. more or less to Ferry Lane, now Beaver Avenue ; 
thence by the same northwardly to its intersection with Straw- 
berry Lane ; thence by Strawberry Lane north ^6° east 242 P. 
to the place of beginning. 

One of the provisions of the Act approved April 3, A.D. 
185 1, makes it obligatory to record all proceedings in such 
cases, in the proper office for the recording of deeds, etc.; and 
only when complied with, shall the same be deemed a body cor- 
porate, entitled to the several powers, rights, privileges, and 
immunities conferred by the Act. 

By gross negligence on the part of those having the matter 
in charge, the proceedings were not recorded until the 17th 
of March, A.D. i860. Immediately upon ascertaining the 
fact, and in order to avoid the troubles looming up in con- 
sequence of the neglect to record, a petition was presented to 
the Legislature, setting forth the facts in the case, whereupon 
they passed an Act, to wit, on the second day of April, A.D. 
i860, confirming and making valid, and of the same force and 
effect, all acts done in the premises, as if the said proceedings 
of court had been regularly recorded within the time pre- 
scribed by law, etc. 

In view of the common interest existing between the cit- 
izens of the city of Allegheny and the borough of Manches- 
ter, the councils of the said city and borough, having met 
together in general meeting, in consideration of such com- 
munity of interest, and for other good and sufficient reasons, 
agreed together upon a plan for a union or consolidation of 
the same, in pursuance of which an Act of consolidation was 
enacted by the Legislature, approved March 12, A.D. 1867, 
extending the boundaries of the city of Allegheny so as to 
embrace all the territory constituting and forming the borough 
of Manchester ; and all the powers conferred upon said city by 
the several Acts of the General Assembly are extended over 
the inhabitants and territory embraced within the limits of 



MANCHESTER. 29 

said borough, together with all ordinances now in force in 
said city, except such as prohibit the erection of wooden 
buildings. 



ANNEXATION OF THE BOROUGH OF MANCHESTER WITH THE CITY 
OF ALLEGHENY BY ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE APPROVED 
MARCH 12, 1867. 

By the Act of consolidation of the borough of Manchester 
with the city of Allegheny, all the territory embraced in the 
former, together with that embraced within the limits of the 
latter lying west of Allegheny Avenue, was divided by a line 
running from east to west from Allegheny Avenue through the 
centre of Locust Street to the Ohio River, into two wards, 
respectively named Fifth and Sixth Wards ; the southern por- 
tion constituting the Fifth, and the northern the Sixth, Ward. 

By the same Act, the city was authorized to extend her north- 
ern boundaries by a direct line from the north-east corner of 
the borough of Manchester to a point of intersection with the 
northern boundary of the borough of Duquesne so as to 
include the Troy-hill District, and from said point of inter- 
section to the eastern terminus of the line of said borough of 
Duquesne, whenever the council of said borough shall consent 
to the extension of said boundary line. Providedy the said 
borough of Duquesne shall be annexed on the same terms 
and conditions as the borough of Manchester. The territory 
here described to constitute the Seventh Ward. 

Also, by the Act of the General Assembly approved March 
18, 1868, the boundaries of the city were further extended so as 
to embrace all that portion of the borough of Duquesne lying 
south-west of a line drawn from the head of Herr's Island 
to the run at Willow Grove, thence by said stream to the 
boundary line of said borough and Reserve township : this, 
including the island, constitutes the Eighth Ward. 

Also all the territory embraced within the limits of McClure 
and Reserve townships, lying south of the following line, com- 
mencing at the north-east corner of the borough of Manches- 



30 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ter, thence castwardly by a direct line to Wickline's Lane in 
the township of Reserve, thence due east until said line inter- 
sects the Hne of Duquesne Borough, was annexed to the city 
by the Act of the General Assembly approved April 9, A.D. 
1867, out of which the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth 
Wards were subsequently formed. 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 



THE PITTSBURG BLUES. 



The following is a paper read before the Historical Society 
of Western Pennsylvania : — 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Many of the startling events which have rendered Western 
Pennsylvania conspicuous in the history of the past, leave 
their impress on the mind of every American citizen. " The 
Forks of the Ohio " was among the first points selected by 
the hardy pioneer to commence the work of civilization in the 
Western world. 

The interesting events connected with the early history of 
Pittsburg and Allegheny, and the regions in and about the 
*' Forks," are well calculated to excite an interest in the minds 
of every citizen of the county, especially those " to the manor 
born." Feeling assured that those who spend time and labor 
in gathering up the threads of the almost forgotten past will 
certainly be interested, with your permission I here present 
for your consideration the following elaboration of memoranda, 
jotted down from time to time, as the scenes and events 
transpired. 

Previous to the declaration of war, June 19, 1812, between 
the United States and Great Britain, the Pittsburg Blues 
were organized under the military laws of the State. Imme- 
diately upon the commencement of hostilities, filled with 
becoming zeal and patriotism, they unanimously tendered their 
services to the General Government, which were accepted ; 
and the Blues at once were ordered into active service, to join 
the North-western troops, conjmanded by Gen. William Henry 
Harrison. 

33 



34 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

The comjDany having been, previously, thoroughly drilled in 
the science of military movements, by officers well qualified 
by experience and education, w^ere fully prepared to take the 
field at a moment's notice. Preparatory to their departure 
for the seat of war, they went into camp on the loth day 
of September, 1812, on Grant's Hill, near where the Court 
House now stands. On the 20th they were ordered to the 
north side of the Allegheny River, and there went into camp, 
on the commons, on the ground afterwards occupied by the 
Western Penitentiary. On the 21st they again struck their 
tents, and went into camp on the bank of the Ohio River ; 
their white tents extending westerly from Belmont Street, 
to a beautiful grove of sugar-trees, where Ferry Lane (now 
Beaver Avenue) enters the Ohio River. 

All this territory, hallowed by the memory of the past, is 
now embraced in the Fifth Ward of the city of Allegheny. 
Under the shadow of these magnificent trees, the officers' 
headquarters were established. 

The writer of these reminiscences has a vivid recollection 
of the scenes on this occasion : although but a youth of a few 
years, the impression made upon his memory was of an endur- 
ing kind. 

Having been reared upon the land occupied by the encamp- 
ment, and having been permitted to roam with the utmost 
freedom at all times through it, gazing with rapt amazement 
on the "pomp and circumstance of war," and being witness 
to the affecting parting scenes between the soldier and his 
friends, memories as lasting as life itself were made. 

When arrangements had been fully completed, the Blues 
broke camp, and on the 23d of September embarked on keel- 
boats moored in the river opposite their encampment, and 
departed for a point on the Ohio River, whence they w^ere to 
proceed over-land to join the troops concentrating under Gen. 
Harrison, on the Maumee, to meet the combined forces of the 
British and Indians, under Gen, Proctor and the redoubtable 
Tecumseh. 

I have no doubt there are many citizens of the cities and 
county, now living, who have a distinct recollection of this 



THE PITTSBURG BLUES. 35 

gentlemanly and well-organized body of soldiers, whose valor 
was fully and satisfactorily attested on the battle-fields of Meigs 
and Mississinewa, and who, on several occasions, received the 
earnest commendations of the commander-in-chief. They were 
the first military organization in the county of Allegheny ; 
were composed of the best material, and made up of members 
of the best families in the city and county. Many of their 
descendants are still living. The following authentic list of 
the officers and men composing the organization, was copied 
from the official roll of the company, and can be relied upon 
as correct : — 

OFHOERS. 

James R. Butler, Captain. Nathaniel Patterson, ist Corporal. 

Matthew Magee, ist Lieutenant. John W. Benny, 2d Corporal. 

Elijah Trovillo, ist Sergeant. Samuel Elliot, 3d Corporal ; wounded 
Isaac Williams, 2d Sergeant; wound- at Mississinewa, Dec. iS, 1S12, 

ed at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1S13. Israel E. Reed, 4th Corporal; wounded 
John Willock, 3d Sergeant; wounded at Mississinewa, Dec. 18, 1812. 

at Fort Meigs, May 9, 1813. James Irwin, Ensign. 
George Haren, 4th Sergeant. 

PRIVATES. 

Robert Allison, Daniel C. Boss (wounded at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1813), Isaac 
Chess (wounded at Mississinewa, Dec. 18, 1812), John Deal, John Davis, John D. 
Davis, Andrew Deemer, Joseph Dodd (wounded at Mississinewa, Dec. 18, 1812; 
died June 16, 1S13), Thomas Dobbins (wounded at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1813), J. 
Elliot, Oliver English, Enoch Fairfield, Samuel Graham, Nathaniel Hall, Samuel 
Jones, John Francis Lonsong (killed at Mississinewa, Dec. 18, 181 2), Jesse Lewis, 
Peter S. Lewton, George McFall, Thomas McClernin, Robert McNeal, Norris 
Matthews, John Maxwell, Oliver McKee (killed May 28, 1813), Nathaniel McGiffen 
(discharged for disabilit}-), John Marcy (discharged for disability), Moses Morse, 
Joseph McMasters, Pressly J. Neville (promoted to sergeant), James Newman (killed 
at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1S13), William Richardson (killed at Fort Meigs, May 5, 
1813), John Park (wounded at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1813), Matthew Parker, John 
Pollard, Charles Pentland, Edward F. Pratt, George V. Robinson, Samuel Swift, 
Thomas Sample, Henry Thompson, Nathaniel Vernon, David Watt, Charles Weid- 
ner, Charles Wahrendorf (wounded at Fort Meigs, May 5, 1813), George S. Wil- 
kins (promoted. May, 1813). 

It should also be understood that two colored men, Frank 
Richards and William Sidney, went with the Blues in the capa- 
city of servants to the officers, who, when necessity required 
it, handled muskets, and gained a reputation for coolness under 
fire, and unflinching bravery in time of danger. 



36 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

It is stated that James Newman and William Richardson 
were killed by one and the same bullet. It seems that New- 
man was standing erect ; while Richardson, just in his rear, 
was in a stooping posture, picking his flint. An Indian, con- 
cealed in the branches of an oak-tree, fired at Newman ; the 
bullet passing through the latter's body, and thence into that 
of Richardson, killing both men. 

As an illustration of the material of which the Blues were 
composed, permit me here to relate the following incident, as 
told by a member of the company on the occasion of one of 
their anniversary meetings, at which the writer was an invited 
guest : — 

One morning, during the memorable siege of Fort Meigs, 
Sergeant Trovillo, being possessed of some rare bit not fur- 
nished in Uncle Sam's daily rations, in order not to excite 
undue envy on the part of his messmates during the prepara- 
tion of his morning meal, wandered off into the woods, a short 
distance from the fort, but within the picket-line. There he 
built his fire, and commenced his preparations for breakfast. 
During the process, and near its completion, a hungry mess- 
mate was attracted to the sergeant's aiisine by the savory 
smell emanating therefrom, and of which he hoped to be in- 
vited to partake. Here was a quandary of a very embarrassing 
sort. The worthy sergeant's supply would scarcely justify a 
tender of hospitality; as his breakfast was pretty much in the 
category of a celebrated Methodist minister's turkey, — quite 
enough for one, but hardly enough for two. 

The difficulty, however, was speedily settled in the following 
manner. Whilst engaged in conversation, the peculiar /z;/^ of 
a rifle-bullet saluted their ears, and the missile struck in close 
proximity to where they were standing. " Hallo, Lige, what in 
thunder does this mean .-* " For an explanation, his attention 
was quietly directed to an oak-tree, upon the upper branches of 
which was perched an Indian. 

"That infernal Indian has been pegging away at me ever 
since I commenced cooking my breakfast ! " The prospect of 
enjoying a quiet meal not being very encouraging, the visitor 
departed, to seek a breakfast under more favorable circum- 
stances. 



THE PITTSBURG BLUES. ^y 

During the great and exciting Presidential contest of 1840, 
the few remaining members, in conformity with their usual 
custom, assembled at the house of Mr. James Lambie, corner 
of Federal and Robinson Streets, Allegheny. Mr. Lambie 
being a gentleman of fine education and polished manners, an 
old soldier of France, under Napoleon the First, possessing a 
genial disposition, was well qualified to act the host, and con- 
tribute to the general good feeling. Let it be understood 
that politics were never permitted to intervene. A want of 
knowledge of this fact, on the part of one of the invited 
guests, led to a very unpleasant state of feeling, and bade 
fair to result seriously. An eminently gifted attorney of the 
Pittsburg bar, a warm and enthusiastic supporter of the Dem- 
ocratic nominee, was introduced by the host, and cordially 
welcomed by all present. Quiet being restored, the president, 
John D. Davis, suggested the resumption of business. At 
this point, the health of Gen. Harrison was proposed. The 
guest, not understanding the condition of affairs, like a flash, 
and before he could be prevented, commenced a philippic 
reflecting severely on the moral, military, and political char- 
acter of the Whig nominee. If a bomb-shell had suddenly 
exploded in their midst, they could not have been more sur- 
prised. The excitement for a while was intense, and boded no 
good to the vilifier of their revered chief. President Davis, 
however, in a very eloquent manner, administered a scathing 
rebuke to the disturber of their peace, and feelingly explained 
the object and nature of their time-honored custom of meeting 
once a year, to drop a tear to the memory of departed comrades, 
as an outward manifestation of the inward truth, "though dead, 
they are not forgotten," thus calming the troubled waters. 
The guest then arose, and in a very feeling and eloquent 
manner made the amende honorable, by protesting his entire 
ignorance, and begged the forgiveness of all present for the 
untimely part he iiad taken. Good feeling was at length 
restored, and the parties left for their respective homes. 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



A REMINISCENCE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 



In answer to my inquiries, Capt. Robert Beer, one of our 
eldest and most respected citizens, a soldier of the war of 1812, 
gave me the following account of his trip from this city to 
Upper Sandusky, O., in the winter of 1 812-13 : — 

" About the ist of November, 181 2, the government adver- 
tised for volunteer teamsters, having some thirty cannon-car- 
riages (without cannon) and forty covered wagons to supply 
with drivers. As soon as a volunteer would sign the roll, he 
was ordered to go into a large yard on Garrison Alley, and 
bridle four horses. I was among the volunteers, being then 
an unsophisticated country boy of twenty years. (You will 
observe that I am now old enough to vote.) I was directed to 
hitch a team to a cannon-carriage, and drive over to the ground 
where the Western Penitentiary stood. Here we were en- 
camped for three weeks before we were ready to start. The 
road-wagons were loaded with cannon, powder, clothing, and 
all kinds of government stores. These wagons were drawn by 
five, and sometimes by six, horses. All being in readiness, we 
started for Gen. Harrison's winter headquarters at Upper San- 
dusky, O. Col. James Anderson was wagon-master ; James 
McHenry, a brick-layer of our city, assistant wagon-master ; 
Paul Anderson, forage-master ; Samuel Oliver, assistant for- 
age-master ; and Capt. Gratiot had command of the train. To 
guard the teams and property, we had Capt. Johnson and his 
company from Greensburg, now called Darlington, and half a 
company from Beaver County, under command of Lieut. Walker, 
who was subsequently killed by the Indians. 

" The journey was through an almost unbroken wilderness, 



A REMINISCENCE OF THE WAR OF 1812. 39 

and its difficulties cannot be appreciated by the people of to-day. 
Ten miles were considered good travel for one day ; and when 
the route was bad, as was frequently the case, we did not make 
more than six miles. It took us three days to get through 
Hahn's Swamp, and had hard work to do it in that time. We 
would often stop for a day, and, mounting our horses, go miles 
away along paths, there being no wagon-road, and return with 
our horses loaded with forage. 

" At Canton we lay a whole week, repairing the wagons, 
shoeing the horses, giving them much needed rest, and pro- 
curing a supply of forage. 

"From Canton to Wooster was thirty-five miles. At the 
latter place we found the first picketed fort. Mansfield ended 
the settlements in this direction. The only buildings were a 
fort, one tavern, one store, and one private house. We re- 
mained three days in Wooster, to recruit our animals, repair 
damages, and gather forage. Between Wooster and Mans- 
field, we had a good deal of new road to cut, the old one 
being impassable for the train. This was slow work, as you 
can judge. 

" We were about two months on the road, and finally reached 
Upper Sandusky on New-Year's Day, as cold a day, by the way, 
as I ever experienced. We never saw a fire from sunrise till 
sunset ; and to make the matter worse, we were but thinly clad 
at best. On our arrival, we were ordered to ungear our horses, 
and start with them for a small town on the Sciota River, 
called Franklinton, just across the river from Columbus. Corn 
was plenty and cheap in that neighborhood, and they wanted 
their horses to recruit there for the spring service. 

" Next day we started back to Upper Sandusky, to get our 
money, and be discharged from the service. There was no 
money to pay us with, — not a dollar in the treasury, — so they 
furnished us with tents and rations. We pitched our tents 
just outside the military lines, and for three weeks had nothing 
to occupy our time but eating and sleeping. At the end of 
this time. Col. Piatt of Cincinnati, who was treasurer of the 
army, gave us our discharge, and an order for our pay at the 
barracks in Pittsburg. We hadn't a dollar towards paying 



40 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

our way home. They gave us rations to put in our knapsacks ; 
but they soon became stale, and unfit for use. 

" Of course, after we left our horses at Franklinton, we did 
all our travelling on foot, I cannot now tell the distance from 
Franklinton to Upper Sandusky, but from the latter place to 
Mansfield was thirty-five miles. We all arrived in Pittsburg 
safe and well, after a very fatiguing journey. 

" The Captain Gratiot I have mentioned was one of the 
engineer corps of the regular army, and an officer of high stand- 
ing. Capt. Wheaton was the paymaster, and a cross old chap 
he was. He carried a canteen of brandy slung round his 
neck, and sometimes he absorbed the brandy too freely, 

" I suppose I am entitled to a pension for my services in 
1 812, but have not yet applied for one. I observe that some 
are drawing pensions whose term of service lasted but fourteen 
days. In 1856 I got a land-warrant for 160 acres of land." 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 41 



A LEGEND OF THE "SHERTEE." 



A FEW years ago the writer, in hunting through a hetero- 
geneous mass of musty old papers, the accumulation of years 
gone by, and so demoralized by time and the corrosive action 
of the elements as to render their further preservation impracti- 
cable, was prompted by curiosity to preserve as far as possible 
the subject-matter contained in a fragment of what he supposed 
to be some magazine published in early time. It is without 
date, and much impaired, evidently by the action of fire. In 
copying the manuscript, the author's language is faithfully 
quoted, as far as it is practicable, only supplying the voids as 
they occur from the causes above referred to, 

LEGEND OF CHARTIERS. 

On the north bank of Chartiers Creek (vulgarly called 
Shertee), which empties into the Ohio a short distance below 
the Forks (now Pittsburg), there resided, anterior to the Rev- 
olution, a stalwart farmer, a native of England, who, in the ab- 
sence of written history, tradition has styled Oliver Harris. Of 
his birth, parentage, early history, and other matter of no less 
importance, no authentic memorials are -known. Tradition 
avers that he descended from a respectable family, who fled, on 
account of religious intolerance, from his native home, to one of 
the New-England colonies, there to enjoy the blessings of reli- 
gious liberty so generously promised to all. Possessed of a 
roving disposition, he was early induced to leave the paternal 
home, and brave the dangers " by flood and field," in seeking 
for fortune in a far Western land. On his arrival at the Forks, 
after a careful examination of the country, he selected as his 



42 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

future home the locality above described.' His rude surround- 
ings, by indomitable energy and perseverance, were soon made 
to blossom as the rose, and gradually assume the appearance 
of comparative comfort. In a few years his humble log cabin 
was encompassed by well-cultivated fields, from which, by his 
untiring industry, he derived annually a bountiful harvest, the 
revenue from which afforded him a sufficiency for all his hum- 
ble wants. 

In the midst of this agreeable condition of affairs, he became 
seriously impressed with the importance and wisdom of the 
scriptural declaration, " That it is not good for man to be 
alone," in view of which he straightway prepared himself to lay 
siege to the ruby-cheeked daughter of a neighboring farmer, 
wooed and won her. The nuptials were consummated in a 
much shorter period than is thought necessary by the belles 
and gallants of the present day. In the due course of time, a 
son, their only child, was born, whom they named Philip, and 
who was destined to act a prominent part in the event here 
described. 

When the scene of our tale opens, he had attained his ma- 
jority, and was as comely a young farmer as six feet stature, 
fair proportions, and black eyes, could make him. On a clear 
and calm, but piercing cold, morning in the month of Decem- 

* There was very little improvement at this point until after the close of the Indian 
war, in 1764. The only authentic account we have of its settlement, is the grant to 
Alexander McKee, assistant Indian agent, to improve the lands at the mouth of Chartiers 
Creek. The following is a copy of the same, taken from the original, and is in the hand- 
writing of the commanding officer at Fort Pitt : — 

" By Henry Bouquet, commanding his Majesty's forces in the Southern District, permis- 
sion is hereby granted to Alexander McKee to occupy and build upon the land at the mouth 
of Shertee creek, on the south side of the Ohio. In consideration of which, he is to pay 
five shillings yearly, if demanded, and also to be subject to such regulations as his Excel- 
lency, the Commander-in-Chief, may order for the good of his Majesty's service. 

"Given under my hand, at Fort Pitt, this 25th day of November, 1764. 

" Henry Bouquet, Col. Coi?unanding." 

The above fails to specify the amount of land granted. I learn, however, from other 
sources, that the survey included an area of about fourteen hundred acres, a large portion of 
which IS still in the possession of, and occupied by, some of the descendants of the grantee. 

The original document covering this grant is now in the possession of Gen. Joseph 
Browne, who owns and resides upon a portion of the land conveyed. 

J. E. P. 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEE." 43 

ber, succeeding a tempestuous night, the sun rose in unclouded 
splendor upon the romantic highlands that overlook Chartiers. 
The damasins: effects of the storm were visible wherever the 
eye fell upon the scene surrounding the home of Oliver Harris. 
On every hand were mighty forest trees that had succumbed to 
its fury, and lay in confused heaps. Along the margin of the 
river, as far as the eye could reach, extended a line of ice, 
which the violence of the storm and waves had massed,. exhibit- 
ing a rare spectacle of ruin and desolation. 

At an early hour of the morning above referred to, young 
Harris set out on a hunting excursion. As the country was 
harassed and disturbed by the frequent inroads of the Indians, 
who held dominion over all the country north of the Allegheny 
and east of the Ohio, extending to the great lakes, it was 
considered dangerous for hunters to venture alone far from 
home, in view of which fact he joined a party of eight or ten of 
his associates, who expected to b& absent for several days. 
Their course lay along the west bank of the Ohio, as near to 
the same as the rugged nature of the ground would permit, 
never relaxing the wariness acquired by experience and knowl- 
edge of the intentions of a bloodthirsty and insidious foe. 
Owing to the ruggedness of the course traversed, they 
reached a point but a few miles from whence they set out. 
As the evening shades approached, they gained a locality well 
adapted to afford them both shelter and rest. Here they 
went into camp for the night. At this point, the steep and 
rugged rocks presented an almost unbroken wall, varied at 
short intervals by deep indentations and bold, projecting crags. 
Under one of these the hunters chose their shelter for the 
night. Having started a large fire, and posted guards at a 
convenient distance to prevent any sudden attack from lurk- 
ing foes, they drew near the cheerful blaze, and, taking from 
their haversacks a portion of the food which they had provided 
for the occasion, ate with appetites becoming men of their 
vocation. The wild loneliness of the place, the bright glare 
of the fire falling upon the river, and reflected back upon the 
rocks and on the guards who kept watch on the shore, and the 
group of hunters assembled around the fire, presented a scene 



44 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

of romantic interest and beauty. The air, which during the day 
had been clear and clastic, had now become dark and misty, 
indicating a fall of snow. Through the gathering vapors, that 
floated in agitated waves above the surface of the river, the sil- 
very moon, now in her first quarter, shed doubtful rays, that 
gambolled upon the waters, and glimmered through the forest. 
The brightest stars twinkled with a dull, sickly gleam, and the 
increasing western wind rushed in sudden gusts through the 
naked woods, whilst the angry waters of the Ohio in heavy 
surges were hurled against its shores. Silently the white, 
fleec^y clouds rolled onward, until they formed a compact body, 
through which the faint rays of the queen of night could 
hardly penetrate. Soon the snow began to descend, at first in 
feathery flakes, which soon changed into more condensed par- 
ticles, denoting a change of temperature. 

" I thought," said one of the hunters, breaking the profound 
silence hitherto observed, " that we should have a fall of snow 
ere long ; and I'm not often mistaken in my predictions of the 
weather." 

" What reason had you for thinking so "i " asked one. " You 
are one of the prophets, who, for want of spectacles to extend 
their vision far enough forward, wait until time has brought 
them alongside of events, and then look back to see how they 
might have happened." This sally against the would-be 
weatherwise hunter brought a general laugh from the party, 
one of whom exclaimed, — 

'* Ah ! you're right, Philip. Peters has his prophesying eyes 
in the back of his head. He can see things clear enough after 
they have come to pass. Only let him get on the top of a hill, 
and he will soon tell you what the country is like beyond it." 

" Every bird has its own song," retorted the other. " I 
haven't followed the woods, man and boy, for good thirty years, 
not to be able to tell an owl from a turkey-buzzard. The air 
was sharp enough in the morning to shave like a razor ; but 
for the last three hours the air hasn't been near so keen, and 
the haze has been gathering along the tops of the hills ; and 
that's always, to my mind, a sure sign of falling weather. 
Since the setting of the sun, I've been watching the constella- 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 45 

tion of the Bear, as Phil calls it, to the north yonder. I don't 
know what he calls it that for ; for I have shot many a bear, and 
them stars look no more like such an animal than like a stack 
of corn-fodder. Howsomever, people have different names for 
things ; and, as I was going to say, I've been noticing that con- 
stellation getting dimmer and dimmer for some time, till at last 
I couldn't see it any longer." 

" You've heerd, maybe," said one of the circle, changing the 
subject, "the report they have up at the creek in regard to 
Luke Purdy and Watty Hughes." 

" What is that t " asked Philip. 

" Why, they say that when they left home, without bidding 
good-by, they went on to Canada. One of my neighbors had 
the whole account from an Indian trader that stopped with him 
all night. He says they went first to Detroit, where Luke, 
hearing an alarm of pursuit, mounted his horse in haste, swam 
across the Detroit River, and rode full speed to Maiden. He 
made a desper't leap from the high bank into the water, they 
say ; and it was well for his bones that he had a soft place to 
light on." 

" He's a bold fellow, that Luke Purdy," says one. " But 
where are he and Watty now .'* " 

" Somewhere about the Upper Sandusky, I hear," replied 
the other. 

*' They're both living with the Indians there, and pass for 
great men among 'em." 

" Well," continued one, " Watty Hughes was always a nice, 
clever sort of a man : I'll say that much for him. But as for 
Purdy, why, I don't know ; but, somehow, I never thought 
much of him. You mind when he was arrested as an enemy of 
the country, and imprisoned in Fort Pitt, and how he walked 
across the parade-ground, past the sentry, into the barracks, 
went out of the back-door, jumped over the wall, and was 
gone a good hour before he was missed. He was a fool, 
though, to give himself up again, when he might have got clear 
without any trouble. I reckon he didn't like to be called a 
runaway as well as a traitor, and so thought it best to come 
back and stand his trial." 



46 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

During the conversation, the dogs that attended the hunters, 
by their whining and restlessness, appeared to have discovered 
some object, to which they endeavored to j^irect the attention 
of their masters. They kept in continual motion to and from 
a part of the rocky cliff that projected considerably beyond the 
range to which it belonged, and beneath which the dim fire- 
light that gleamed upon it, showed a deep excavation, appar- 
ently the entrance of a large cavern, 

" Come in, Hector ! Back, Ponto, I say ! Why, what pos- 
sesses the creatures ? " exclaimed Peters, to two of the dogs 
that were more unruly than the others. " Hec has as good 
a nose as any dog in the settlement, and Pont's as knowing a 
slut as there's any 'casion for. But I wonder what the plague 
makes them so busy now. I don't believe there's a fox or coon 
about these rocks, for I was here the other day, and couldn't 
find the sign of a living thing. Be quiet, you whelps ! none of 
your howling ! There's no scent here for you worth a decent 
dog's trouble." 

This expostulation was unheeded by the animals to whom it 
was addressed, and was instantly followed by the sharp report 
of a rifle, evidently discharged within a short distance of the 
hunters. The flash was distinctly seen by them all ; and the 
bullet, striking the rocky wall near them, rebounded, and fell at 
their feet ; while the echo of the report resounded along the 
rocky bank, until it died away in low, dull murmurs among 
the hills. The hunters instantly sprang to their feet, and 
seized their rifles that reclined near them against the cliff. 
Scarce had the sound that had occasioned the alarm reached 
the ears of the vigilant hunters, when a man leaped with a 
light, agile motion, to a position within a few paces of where 
they stood. The instant he appeared, every rifle was brought 
to bear upon him. 

"Who dares," exclaimed the intruder, "call Luke Purdy a 
runaway and a traitor .'' Lower your rifles, you cowardly brag- 
garts ! or, if one man is enough to terrify you all, fire upon me, 
like dastards as you are, and then boast of having sent your 
bullets into the body of a single enemy." 

Instinctively, all obeyed the order thus authoritatively given, 
by depressing the muzzles of their rifles. 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEP 47 

"We're no more cowards than you, Luke Purely," exclaimed 
Tom Peters. "It's not just the fair thing to call us so, when 
you've seen our courage tried in many encounters with the 
redskins. But I reckon you were in a sort of a passion and 
flustration of spirits like ; and so here's my hand, and it's all 
well again ; but you may thank Philip, there, that your carcass 
isn't as full of holes as an orchard in locust-time." 

The matter being thus adjusted, Philip inquired of Purdy 
the cause of his sudden departure from his home, and his 
unexpected re-appearance. 

" It would profit you but little," replied Purdy, " to know 
what you pretend to be ignorant of. I did not leave Chartiers 
without good reason. Was I not an object of suspicion and 
reproach throughout all the settlement } Was I not persecuted 
and vilified by every malicious settler on the Western frontier ? 
And for what .■' Because it was reported that I was the secret 
enemy of the whites ; that I was the instigator of the Indians 
in their attacks upon your people : as if they had not sufficient 
provocation for revenge, without needing any persuasion from 
me ! I would have lived quietly enough at my home, had not 
the senseless clamors of the settlers about the creek forced me 
to leave it, and seek refuge among the savages. And Walter 
Hughes, too, who so often kept back infuriated tribes from 
vengeance, and watched over the whites like a father, even he 
was not spared by his slanderous enemies. They thought to 
persuade him they did him honor by confining him in his own 
house ; while I, who was looked upon as a more contemptible 
traitor, was imprisoned in your fort, like a felon, among drunken 
vagabonds and soldiers. But my time of vengeance is coming. 
The mean, cowardly treatment I have received, the insults I 
have borne from the craven churls, — I have marked them all 
in my memory ; and when the day of reckoning comes, I will 
wash the infernal record out with the blood of all who would 
have made me the victim of their malice. I will " — 

Philip interrupted the enraged Purdy, and endeavored to 
mitigate his indignant feelings. 

" I acknowledge, Luke, that you have been treated rather 
harshly. But you must admit that the whites had reason for 



48 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

severity, when the frequent massacres and burnings by the 
Indians had exasperated them, and compelled them to provide, 
by prompt and vigorous measures, for their safety." 

" Massacres and burnings ! " exclaimed Luke. " Who set 
the example of massacres and burnings .-* Did not your cream- 
faced, black-hearted crew murder in cold blood the unsuspect- 
ing Indians, even when they were professing friendship for 
them, and perjure themselves by swearing to treaties they 
never intended to observe .-' Are not your lazy surveyors and 
land-pirates even now entering upon the lands of the natives, 
and driving them from their homes, under pretence of titles 
purchased with rum and gew-gaws, or asserted without even a 
show of right t It was but a few months ago that Dunmore 
led his cut-throats against the tribes on the Western rivers, and 
killed, burnt, and ravaged wherever he set his foot. And you 
talk of massacres and burnings ! And I suppose the dastardly 
assassins, Cresap and Greathouse, were only providing for their 
safety, when they treacherously slew the family of Logan at 
Grave Creek, and the women and children at Yellow Creek ! 
What think you of massacres and burnings now } " 

"The conduct of these men," replied Philip, "was as cruel 
and unjust as it was unauthorized. But, surely, the wanton 
acts of a few individuals " — 

"A few individuals!" echoed Purdy. "A few individuals ! 
I tell you, Philip Harris, they did not act for themselves alone. 
They were but the unfeeling tools of those who set them on, 
and who kept themselves concealed until they should discover 
how their plot would work. No, no ! all are alike) dark, mur- 
derous, butchering ruffians ; and may I burn in the flames of 
perdition, if I do not drench my knife in their hearts' blood ! 
And you," he continued, addressing the others, "you, who 
think yourselves secure, and laugh at the words of one whom 
you call a traitor, and believe to be powerless as he is op- 
pressed, — dearly shall you recompense me for the wrongs 
which you and your abetters have made me suffer. Ay, scowl 
at me, and point your rifles against me ! I fear you not. I 
defy your malice, as I have escaped your snares. And mark 
me ! Though I stand among you alone, I am not the friendless 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEP 4g 

wretch that you would make me. One word of mine can 
rouse more warriors, and better ones, than all your white 
settlements west of the Allegheny can muster. And when 
you think me a solitary fugitive, I will be in the midst of men 
who are as able and ready to avenge their injuries, as myself, I 
will be near you, though all your bloodhounds shall not be able 
to track my course ; and when you suppose that I am hundreds 
of miles distant, you shall see me at your doors, and hear 
my battle-cry, that shall be the signal for blood, death, and 
conflagration." 

Having thus vented his vindictive feelings, he left the aston- 
ished hunters as suddenly as he had come among them, and 
disappeared among the recesses of the rocks. 

"That's a queer chap," said Peters. "But he's a plucky 
fellow, and I've often heard Watty Hughes say that he is a 
capital interpreter to explain the lingo of the Indians. But he 
needn't think to scare a body so easy, or he will find his match 
about Shertee." 

"I wonder," said one of the men, "where in the thunder 
that bullet came from. It whistled past my ear as sharp as 
the whizzing of a scared pheasant." 

" It came out of my rifle, as true blue as ever shot forty-five 
to the pound," replied another, who had acted as one of the 
sentinels. " It was a pretty good miss, too ; but the fellow 
came in such a hurry that I hadn't time to draw a sure 
sight." 

When the day dawned, the sky was again clear, and the 
ground was covered with a thick mantle of snow. A short 
consultation was held by the hunters, the result of which was 
'^- resolution to proceed no farther on the contemplated hunt, 
jut to return to the settlement, and warn the inhabitants of 
the danger which might be anticipated from the machinations 
of Purdy. 

The time and events comprised in the period allotted to this 
legend, were favorable to the development of the character of 
this vindictive traitor. Cast by destiny in a sphere of life 
where his fortunes and his hopes depended for their success 



50 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

on his own unaided efforts, he had only divested himself of 
the diffidence which the mutual dependence consequent upon a 
refined state of society occasions, and assumed the bold, reck- 
less bearing which he supposed was adapted to his condition. 
He resolved to act only for himself, and to live among his 
fellows without sympathy in their happiness or sorrows. In 
thus separating himself, mentally, from the rest of mankind, 
he was, perhaps, insensibly impelled to the extreme, which is 
the invariable result of a course such as he had chosen for 
himself. 

His opinions of self-dependence produced a fierceness of 
disposition and an unconciliating tone of expression which had 
an effect directly opposite to that which he had expected from 
them. Instead of making him out one who was careless and 
fearless of human power, only when it crossed his rightful path, 
they exhibit him as a man intent upon his own interest, regard- 
less of the claims of others, as a stern, overbearing despot, who 
would make his way to authority over all the human rights and 
feelings by which he might be opposed. 

The occupation of a hunter inured him to peril and hard- 
ships ; and the frequent combats in which he was engaged 
with hostile parties of savages on the Western frontier, taught 
him the alertness and skill so requisite in a partisan leader. 

He had for several years been employed by the Superin- 
tendent of 'Indian Affairs on the Ohio, as an interpreter, for 
which situation his intimate knowledge of several aboriginal 
languages well qualified him. The dissatisfaction of the col- 
onies with the Government of England, which now foreboded 
a speedy resort to arms, extended to every individual having 
the most remote relation to its cause. Purdy, from his known 
attachment to the interests of the British crown, and his 
familiar intercourse with the Indian tribes of the Western 
and North-western frontiers, became an object of suspicion to 
those of the colonists who were intimately acquainted with his 
character. He was, together with Walter Hughes, the Indian 
superintendent, arrested, and placed in confinement, himself in 
the fort at the " Forks," and Hughes in his own house. By a 
bold and decisive movement, he effected his escape, and joined 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 51 

a tribe of savages/ by whom he was chosen a leader in their 
contemplated raids on the colonial territory. His originally 
ferocious disposition was aggravated by his supposed wrongs, 
inflicted on him by the settlers on Chartiers, an!ong whom 
he had lived, and against whom he swore deep and lasting 
hostility. 

Only a few days had elapsed after the return of the hunters 
to the settlement, when rumors began to circulate among the 
settlers, that the hostile Indians had made formidable prepara- 
tions for a general attack upon the whole line of the Western 
frontier, and that a large force would soon assail the people 
who resided at Chartiers and its vicinity. Alarms had hitherto 
been so frequent that they no longer created the sensation 
which they at first excited. But the report of impending dan- 
ger was now so often repeated, and so well sustained, that the 
most careless and intrepid were induced to give it credence, 
and to join with the more timorous in recommending prompt 
measures for defence. All who were able to bear arms were 
enrolled, and placed themselves under officers of their own 
selection. Guards were detailed by lot, who assumed, in alter- 
nate parties, the duty of patrolling at night ; and even during 
the day, a small number of the most confidential among the 
inhabitants were constantly stationed as sentinels near the 
settlement. 

A line of defence was hastily thrown up, consisting of a rude 
stockade, bastions, and blockhouses. In the walls of the block- 
houses, as well as in those of the dwelling-houses within the 
temporary fort, loop-holes were opened, through which those 
within might fire upon the assailants. All the cattle were 
driven within the stockade ; and provisions, ammunition, and 
arms were collected, sufficient to enable the little garrison to 
make a long and determined resistance. A representation of 
the expected attack having been made by a committee to the 
commandant at Fort Pitt, that officer immediately detailed a 
party of ten soldiers, under the orders of a sergeant, to assist 
in the defence. It was usual for the inhabitants who resided 
on this part of the frontier, and who, from their exposed situa- 

' Wyandots. 



52 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

tion, were liable to sudden attacks from the Indians, to retire 
for safety to the fort on the " Point." But so many inconven- 
iences resulted from removal from their farms, which in their 
absence were subjected to devastation by the invaders, that on 
this occasion it was resolved to provide for their own defence, 
and to contend with whatever force they could command against 
the attack which they anticipated. 

The intimation of menacing danger, which so frequently 
came to the people who resided on our Western borders, at 
this early period, when communicated at night, generally con- 
sisted in a tap at the door or window of one or more of the 
houses which composed the settlement. This signal was so 
usual, that all who were accustomed to hear it, were readily 
aroused from their deepest slumbers whenever it was given. 

One of the calmest days of midwinter was succeeded by a 
night of unusual inclemency. The wind howled in loud and 
furious gusts through the forest ; and the snow descended in 
dense showers, drifting before the blast ; while the Ohio and 
Chartiers, excited by the fury of the tempest, were raging 
with unwonted violence, bearing upon their swollen tides the 
immense masses of ice which had been broken up by a recent 
thaw. In accordance with the system of strict vigilance and 
discipline which had been established by the settlers for their 
defence, every precaution had been adopted to secure them 
from sudden surprise by a treacherous foe. Scouts were mov- 
ing in all directions around the exterior of the defensive lines, 
and wary sentinels walked the circuits appropriated to them 
immediately without the stockade. It was past midnight, and 
the storm continued with unabated violence, when, by the dim 
gleam of light which at intervals broke through the clouds, 
one of the sentinels discovered an object moving towards him 
slowly, and apparently anxious to escape observation. He kept 
his eye steadily upon it for several minutes, and his finger on 
the trigger of his rifle, in readiness to resist whatever peril 
might ensue. The object approached until it came within a 
few paces of him, keeping close under the stockade, and advan- 
cing with cautious and hesitating movement, when it rose sud- 
denly from the recumbent posture which it had held, and the 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 



53 



sentinel distinctly saw the figure of a man, wearing the costume 
of an Indian warrior. " Stand, or die ! " he exclaimed in a loud 
voice. The intruder instantly became stationary. 

" Who are you, and on what errand >. " the guard inquired. 

** A friend of the pale-faces, come to open their ears, that 
they may hear the war-whoop of their enemies," was the reply. 

"Advance, and give the countersign ! " 

" Before my brother strikes, let him listen : the red man has 
not learned the strange words that the pale-faced warriors 
whisper into each other's ears. I am a friend to your people ; 
and I come to tell them that evil birds are flying around them, 
watching for prey. I am an Indian brave, a friend of the 
white man, and will speak the truth. Guide me to the wigwam 
of my friend Oliver Harris. He knows that I am a good man, 
and I will tell him how to drive the bad birds away." 

After a further conference of a few moments, the sentinel 
gave a preconcerted signal, and two others of the guard joined 
him. It was agreed that the Indian who had caused the alarm, 
and who was recognized as one of the most steadfast friends of 
the whites, should be conducted, agreeably to his request, to 
the house of OHver Harris. He was, therefore, taken thither 
by one of the sentinels, while the others resumed their duty. 
When the sentinel and his Indian companion arrived at Harris's 
residence, the former tapped lightly at the window. 

" Who is there ? " inquired Harris. 

"Here's our friend, Guyasutha," ■ answered the sentinel, 
" come to bring us news from our red neighbors, that intend to 
pay us a visit without giving us notice." 

Harris knew Guyasutha to be worthy of the confidence which 
the whites had long reposed in him. He therefore, without 
hesitation, opened the door, and invited him to enter. 

' According to Craig's history, the name of this celebrated chief is spelled in various ways : 
the same sound, however, is preserved in all variations; viz., Guyasutha, Guy-as-ootha ; 
Guyasudy, Keyasutha, Kiasutha, and Kaishuta. In the war between France and Great 
Britain, he early espoused the cause of the latter, and afterwards the Americans. He acted 
a very prominent part in several important treaties with the various Indian tribes: he also 
accompanied Gen. Washington on his journey from Logstown to Fort Le Bceuf, in 1753. 
He died about tlie close of the last century, in his humble wigwam, on the West Penn Rail- 
road, situate on the farm owned and occupied by William M. Darlington, Esq. 



54 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

" Guyasutha will not rest in the wigwams of his friends, the 
pale-faces, while the evil redskins are on the warpath to do 
them harm. Tell your warriors to wake from their slumbers, 
to open their eyes, and look towards the setting sun, before the 
tomahawk strikes them, and the keen scalping-knife severs the 
bloody trophies. I have listened to the wicked chiefs and war- 
riors, and heard them speak angry words against my white 
brothers. I have seen the war-fires kindled, and the dark wam- 
pum circulate among the tribes. Rank weeds cover the path 
that was once smooth between my white and red brothers ; and 
the bright chain of friendship, that they held in their hands, is 
now broken. Listen to the words of Guyasutha, for they are 
true. I have seen the big eagle sitting on the rock, while the 
hawk seized the little bird, and carried it away in its claws, and 
the eagle pretended not to look that way, and did not tell the 
little bird to fly away quick, and hide itself in its nest, till the 
hawk was no more in its path. I have spoken to my brother. 
He will open his ears wide, and listen to my words." 

Guyasutha was a chief of the Seneca tribe of Indians, which 
formed a part of the powerful confederacy of the Six Nations. 
His daring but cautious character, his intelligence and fidelity 
to the interests of Great Britain, and his knowledge of the Eng- 
lish language, had secured for him the respect and confidence 
of Sir William Johnson, the superintendent of Indian affairs in 
North America, by whom he was often employed on important 
embassies to different tribes and to his subordinate agents. 
Firm in his adherence to the English cause, he never meanly 
betrayed that of his tribe, or degenerated from that lofty dig- 
nity of character which distinguishes the aboriginal inhabitants 
of North America. It was ascertained from this friendly chief, 
that an alliance had been consummated between the several 
hostile tribes in the North-West, that frequent war-councils had 
been held among them, and that the black wampum of war was 
freely circulating among the tribes to invite a speedy invasion 
of the settlements. He said that he had obtained correct and 
minute information relative to the whole plan of operations that 
was to be pursued. Simultaneous attacks were to be made 
upon the entire line of the settlements, from the Canadas to 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 55 

the Mississippi ; and a numerous party, and especially chosen 
for the enterprise, was now within a short distance of Chartiers, 
under able leaders, among whom the notorious Luke Purdy 
held a principal command, and who was represented to be par- 
ticularly exasperated against the settlers who resided in and 
about the Forks of the Ohio, and was urging on the savages to 
take prompt and bloody revenge upon them, denouncing special 
vengeance against some, whom he named as his most active 
and relentless persecutors. 

On the day ensuing the visit of. Guyasutha at Chartiers, a 
meeting was convened to consider measures adapted to the 
perilous condition of the country. The conference was earnest 
and brief. Few speeches were delivered. There was evidently 
little disposition to indulge in florid and verbose declamation : 
the informal but sage counsel of Oliver Harris and one or two 
other experienced advisers was all that was deemed necessary 
to present the importance of maintaining the strict vigilance 
which had hitherto been observed for the security of the settle- 
ment. 

The respective posts and duties of all composing the garrison 
were assigned ; and they were enjoined, by a regard for the 
public welfare and their personal security, to be strenuous and 
unremitting in the observance of discipline, and performance of 
their allotted services. 

Guyasutha, who was a warrior well tried and intrepid, was 
charged with the duty of collecting the few friendly Indians 
who were at Fort Pitt and in the immediate vicinity of the set- 
tlements ; and at his suggestion it was determined that under 
his direction they should constitute a reconnoitering party, to 
harass the enemy, and impede their approach, or form an ambush 
in the rear, and complete their rout, should the garrison suc- 
ceed in repelling their assault. 

The attack, which had been awaited with so much anxiety, 
was not long delayed. A large body of Indians, after rapid 
marches, prosecuted with all the wariness incident to their 
mode of warfare, on the evening of the day succeeding the 
meeting referred to, was within a mile of the little fortress. 
The scouts brought the intelligence of the enemy's arrival ; and 



56 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

each individual of the garrison braced himself for the encoun- 
ter, as if its happy issue depended solely on his personal exer- 
tions. Shortly after midnight, the discharge of a rifle, by one 
of the sentinels stationed at a distant outpost, warned the gar- 
rison that the conflict was about to commence. In a few min- 
utes the report of fire-arms and the war-cry of several hundred 
savages broke in wild and loud peals upon the stillness of the 
night ; and the vivid flashes that incessantly came from the 
surrounding forest, glared through the darkness like sheets of 
electric fluid. The scouts and sentinels were driven within 
the stockade, and took their posts among the defenders. 

" Now, my brave friends," said the elder Harris, to those 
who were stationed with him in one of the blockhouses, " stand 
fast for your homes and all that makes them dear to you. 
Reserve your fire until the foe is within good point-blank dis- 
tance, and let each bullet give a good account of its errand." 

The word was passed rapidly through the fort, until it came 
to the post which young Harris superintended. 

"Prime well, my lads," he said, " and pick your flints, so that 
your pieces shall not hang fire. When you see the flash of 
their rifles at fifty yards distance, give them a volley. Remem- 
ber what we fight for, and let us fight like men." 

The assailants rushed forward with eagerness, to obtain the 
easy triumph they so fondly anticipated. Peal on peal of their 
rifles and their shrill war-whoops resounded through the woods, 
and were echoed back by the rocks and hills. They approached 
the palisades which formed the external defence of the garrison, 
and attempted to tear them away, or leap over them, to gain 
nearer access to their devoted prey. They were met by a reg- 
ular and general discharge from the rifles of the besieged, 
which, as it was entirely unexpected, created surprise among 
them, and for a few moments arrested their advance. 

One terrific and shrill yell arose from the living mass that 
crowded before the stockade, indicating the astonishment which 
the resistance of the defenders occasioned. The compact body 
of the invaders, who had thus incautiously exposed themselves 
to the bullets of the besieged, was instantly broken ; and each 
of the assailants betook himself to the shelter of a tree, from 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEE." 57 

which he could more securely continue the assault. But again, 
after the interval of a few seconds, the powerful voice of one 
of their leaders was heard, giving orders to renew the attack ; 
and the entire force of the enemy, extended so as nearly to 
surround the works, dashed onward, and were endeavoring to 
surmount or remove the pickets, when another united and 
effective volley compelled them to recoil. Their yells and 
shouts now became louder and more furious. Their thirst for 
blood had been inflamed by the shame of -a momentary dis- 
comfiture. The orders of their chiefs became more audible and 
distinct as the combat thickened ; and mingled reproaches on 
the timid, with encouragement for the more resolute, were 
heard rolling in deep and sullen mutterings among the scattered 
and disconcerted enemy. The onsets were renewed in frequent 
and quick succession ; the savages, impelled by their native 
ferocity and the instigations of their leaders, making desperate 
efforts to leap over or remove the palisades, and always driven 
back by the well-timed, steady fire of the besieged, aimed in 
the direction indicated by the shouts of the assailants or the 
flashes of their rifles. The conflict grew every moment more 
fierce and terrible ; the yells, shrill and deep-toned, of the 
Indians uniting with the loud and mutual exhortations of the 
men within the lines, and the irregular discharges of rifles from 
both sides, A few of the assailants, led on by Purdy, after a 
furious struggle, succeeded in entering the stockade ; and the 
combat was sustained for a considerable time hand to hand, 
with desperate effect, 

A large barn within the fortified enclosure was occupied by 
a party of the whites, whose repeated and deliberate fire was 
delivered with deadly effect : the attempts of the savages to 
dislodge them were often renewed, but without success. At 
length, Purdy, seizing a burning torch which one of his band 
held, darted forward, followed by several Indians, and entered 
the building. The fight within and around it was maintained 
man to man ; and the knife and tomahawk were substituted for 
the rifle, which was less effective in the closeness of the ineUe. 

Purdy, making his way to the upper part of the building, 
applied the torch to the thatch-roof ; and in a few minutes a 



58 ^ HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

column of flame burst into the air, casting through the dark- 
ness a vivid light, which extended far over the surrounding 
forest, and brought into distinct view the scene of battle that 
raged in and near the fort. The incendiary himself was seen 
risincf from the midst of the smoke and flames that ascended 
from the top of the building, his long hair fluttering in the 
breeze, his face begrimed with blood, waving his ensanguined 
tomahawk above his head, with features convulsed by the 
tempest of his pa&sions, his demoniac yell betraying" at once 
the deep malignity of his soul, and the joy he felt from his 
triumphant achievement. 

" Down with the traitor ! " vociferated Peters, when he 
beheld the fiend-like apparition. " Down with him ! Now, my 
boys, take a sure sight. Give the Devil a few leaden pills to 
put him to sleep, and then honest people may have a chance 
to die in their beds." 

In an instant he was the mark for a dozen bullets ; and he 
disappeared within the burning pile, now rapidly yielding to 
the fury of the conflagration. It was supposed that the charge 
had taken effect ; and Peters exultingly cried, " Huzza, my 
heroes ! we've done for the bloody villain. Load and prime, and 
let us send his red imps to keep him company." Purdy had, 
however, escaped the peril, and, emerging for an instant from 
the flaming roof, uttered a demoniac yell, shook his tomahawk 
in defiance at his enemies, and then sped from the building, 
which the next moment fell to the ground. 

As the burning mass crashed and roared in its fall, a dazzling 
sheet of flame suddenly flashed upwards, and then all was lost 
in profound darkness, except when a faint and unsteady light 
was thrown off from smouldering embers that marked the place 
of the recent conflagration. The enemy still persevered in 
their efforts to gain possession of the little fortress, but it was 
bravely and successfully defended against an infuriated and a 
superior force. 

Day dawned, and the cheerful beams of an unclouded sun lit 
up with unusual splendor the romantic prospect of forest, rock, 
and stream, that lay around the scene of sanguinary warfare. 

The assailants, discouraged by their repeated repulses, made 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEP 59 

a precipitate retreat. They had fallen back but a short dis- 
tance, when Guyasutha, with a small body of friendly Indians 
under his order, rose from their ambuscade, and, shouting their 
fierce battle-cry, fell upon them in their disorder, and while 
they were unsuspicious of an enemy lurking in their rear. 
The rout rendered by this unexpected attack proved fatal, and 
was completed *by a chosen party from the garrison, who, on 
hearing the battle-cry of Guyasutha and his chosen band of 
warriors, hastened to their aid, thus placing the retiring foe 
between two fires, who, becoming panic-stricken, broke, and 
sought safety in flight, from a force, which, had they remained 
unbroken, they might have overwhelmed by their superior num- 
bers. The sortie was led by Philip Harris, and Tom Peters 
was one of the most eager in the pursuit. Purdy was seen in 
the midst of his savage allies, brandishing his bloody toma- 
hawk ; and his strong, sonorous voice was distinguished clear 
above the clamor and general commotion, calling upon them to 
arrest their flight, to renew the combat, and to wreak ven- 
geance on their mutual foes. His efforts, however, to stay the 
living tide that was ebbing in impetuous torrent, were unavail- 
ing. He was left almost alone by his dismayed and flying 
associates. 

The sallying party led by Philip Harris were close upon him, 
and the intrepid warriors led by Guyasutha were pressing rap- 
idly towards him. Finding all his efforts to rally his disorgan- 
ized force ineffectual, he stood for a moment, attended by a 
few of the most resolute of his band, like a lion encircled by 
the hunters, raving with the wildness of a maniac, and impre- 
cating curses, both on his foes and those who had pusillani- 
mously deserted him in his utmost need. Death or prompt 
flight were the only alternatives left him ; and even his fero- 
cious and daring spirit did not, in this extremity, restrain him 
from adopting the latter discretionary measure. He therefore 
sought safety by flight, with a speed unequalled by the fleetest 
of his savage allies, which promised him an escape from all his 
pursuers. But these were all as brave as himself, and several 
of them were well qualified to compete with him in speed and 
lightness of foot. The pursuit was ardent, and continued 



6o HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

unabated for some time, until several of those engaged in it 
became so weary, that they were compelled to relax their exer- 
tions, and lag behind their less exhausted comrades. 

The long and vigorous chase had, after a winding and intri- 
cate course through dense forests, deep ravines and swamps, 
urged Purdy to a point on the Ohio, several hundred yards 
below the mouth of the creek, A gradual elevation of the 
ground, terminating in a considerable eminence, the side facing 
the stream, presents a bold, precipitous, and rocky bluff, at 
whose base rolls the river, which at this particular point is of 
more than its usual depth. This singular elevation presents 
toward the stream a rude and wild aspect. It was generally 
known by the specific appellatives of "The Rocks," "Rock 
Hill," and is now called " McKee's Rocks," from the name of 
the family who have owned and occupied the premises since 
the time of the grant to their ancestor, Alexander McKee, by 
Henry Bouquet, colonel commanding his Majesty the King of 
Great Britain's forces at Fort Pitt, in 1764. On the summit of 
this height is a level piece of ground,' on which may be traced 
the vestige of a rude fortification, evidently constructed at a 
very remote period, and which is covered with trees, of a size 
confirmatory of the opinion that the embankment from which 
they rise is of great antiquity. 

Purdy, having exerted himself to the utmost of his speed, 
called into requisition all his ingenuity to baffle his implacable 
pursuers, and gain the margin of the river immediately above 
the rock bluff, with the intention, probably, of concealing him- 
self in one of the recesses, which, from his intimate knowledge 
of the locality, he knew existed in the rocks that at intervals 
formed a part of the river-bank. Hemmed in by his indefati- 
gable pursuers, and reduced to extremity of peril by their 
persevering efforts to overtake him, he was compelled to 
ascend the "rocks" on the southern side, and rely upon 



^ Within the circle of the earthworks is the burial-place of many of the families residing 
in the vicinity. South of this, immediately on the top of the rocky bluff, is one of those 
mysterious tumuli so frequently met with in the West, evidently the work of the ancient 
mound-builders. It is about twenty feet at the base, and about twelve feet high ; and on its 
summit grows an oak at least three feet in diameter, attesting its ancient origin. 



A LEGEND OF THE '' SHERTEEr 6 1 

stratagem for the means of final escape. In his left hand he 
still retained his trusty rifle with a firm grasp, while his right 
was left free to aid him in clambering over any obstacles that 
might present themselves in his onward progress. Philip 
Harris, Tom Peters, and two or three more of those who had 
engaged in the pursuit, were all who were able to continue the 
chase, the others having dropped behind from weariness and 
inferiority of speed. Purdy, having gained the brow of the 
rocky declivity, anxiously cast his eye around, seeking for a 
place of shelter from his pursuers : failing to discover one, he 
had either to turn back upon his course, surrender himself a 
prisoner, or risk the descent of the rocky precipice. He 
determined at once to adopt the latter alternative. 

Midway to the Ohio lay a beautiful island,' the lower ex- 
tremity of which was directly opposite to the point he had 
gained. He was a bold and expert swimmer, and had fre- 
quently, during his life of peril and vicissitude, been compelled 
to cross over some of the widest and most impetuous streams 
of the West. With a cautious but hasty movement, he com- 
menced the descent from the top of the precipice, holding on 
to bushes and roots of the trees that grew out of the inter- 
stices of the rocks : he reached the base of the bank just as his 
pursuers had arrived upon its summit. Dashing into the stream, 
which was now clear of ice, he buffeted the waves with "lusty 
sinews," and safely arrived at the foot of the island. 

While crossing from the main-land to the island, he con- 
trived to keep his weapon above the surface of the water. 
The powder, therefore, retained its capacity of explosion un- 
diminished ; and the hand that held it was unaffected in its 
steadiness by the coldness of the element in which it had 
been immersed. The instant Purdy obtained a footing upon 
the firm ground, he cast his eye towards the fearful height 
which he had so lately descended, and perceived one of the 



' Brunot's, in early times called Charteer, after Peter Chartier, a treacherous half-breed 
trader and French spy : it also bore the name of Alliquippa, after the celebrated Queen of 
the Delawares, who during her life resided at the mouth of the Youghiogheny. This island 
originally contained 136 acres, 21 perches, including a small island on the south side, now 
entirely washed away. 



62 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

pursuing party, making his way slowly down the precipitous 
cliff. It was one towards whom he retained a feelinir of 
especial hostility, from the knowledge that he had been par- 
ticularly active and malignant in exciting against him the 
hatred and prejudices of the settlers by whom he had been 
proscribed. A vindictive smile of delight pervaded the coun- 
tenance of Purdy, as he now saw himself enabled to wreak his 
vengeance on at least one of his implacable and detested per- 
secutors. The distance between the spot where he stood and 
the point where his enemy was cautiously moving, was not 
greater than his trusty rifle had often carried a bullet, with 
unerring certainty, to the object of his aim. Springing behind 
a large tree that stood near, he drew a quick but deliberate 
and sure sight upon his victim, whom he observed, as soon as 
the discharge was made, to pause suddenly in his course, and 
place his hand on his right side. Immediately the wounded 
man relinquished his hold of the branch of the tree to which 
he had clung for support, reeled, fell, and, rolling rapidly down 
the rocks, was precipitated into the deep water at their foot, 
which whirled and plashed as it received the lifeless body, 
spread into successive rippling circles, and then became 
smooth and silent, as if its surface had not been disturbed, A 
loud and fiendish whoop sent forth by Purdy, attested the 
ferocity of the joy which he felt in having thus partially ap- 
peased his vindictive spirit by the sacrifice of a human victim : 
and, continuing his retreat along the northern shore of the 
island, he again plunged into the chilly waters of the Ohio, 
and swam to the main-land opposite, where he arrived in 
safety ; here he briefly paused, and, feeling that with two such 
indomitable foes as Harris and Peters on his track, it would be 
unsafe to remain in the neighborhood, fled precipitately. 
When next heard from, he had joined a tribe of savages far to 
the West, whose warriors he often led on the warpath, and 
dyed his knife and tomahawk in the blood of the defenceless 
settlers on the frontier borders ; and where, it is said, from his 
vindictive spirit and overbearing manners, he became em- 
broiled in a quarrel with one of the chiefs, resulting in the fate 
he so often meted out to others, — a bloody death. 



PONTIACS PLOT, 6^ 



PONTIAC'S PLOT. -THE GREAT INDIAN UPRISING 

OF 1763. 



A PAPER read by Judge Parke at the celebration of the one 
hundred and twentieth anniversary of the battle of Bushy Run, 
Penn., Aug. 6, 1883. 

We have been called together this day to celebrate one of 
the most important and interesting events connected with the 
history of our country. On this spot, sacred to the memory of 
the past, one hundred and twenty years ago the gallant and 
accomphshed Col. Henry Bouquet, with his heroic little band of 
Highlanders and Anglo-Americans, having passed the rugged 
and dangerous defiles of the Allegheny, arrived at Bushy Run, 
Aug. 5, 1763. 

The description of the prominent events connected with 
Bouquet's expedition, and the subsequent development into 
permanent settlements, the knowledge of which is of the 
highest importance in perpetuating the fame of these gallant 
men, who left the confines of civilization to brave the dangers 
of an unknown country, — I will leave to others more com- 
petent to do justice to the subjects. 

The imagination fails to conceive incidents more romantic 
than those which sober truth reveals in the career of the men 
who penetrated the Western wilds in order to create new 
homes for themselves and families, impelled by those power- 
ful motives of human action, — ambition and a love of liberty. 

In the career of many of the early adventurers, we see these 
passions overruling all others. These men stand out in bold 
relief as grand heroes worthy of a representation in the annals 
of the country. In the delineation of their deeds, and of those 



64 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

who follow after them, who occupied what they had won, faith, 
courage, and indomitable perseverance are prominent features 
in the picture. These were the necessary elements of success 
in the wide and dangerous fields of adventure, and were ever 
present in great abundance, when required in laying the foun- 
dation of their future homes. 

Many of the events which have rendered Western Pennsyl- 
vania conspicuous in the history of the past, leave their im- 
press on the mind of every American citizen. They pass 
before us as a mighty vision, making us feel the poverty of 
language, and weakness of eloquence, when startling realities 
are to be described. 

Old Westmoreland, whose vast boundary at an early day ex- 
tended so as to embrace nearly all the territory lying westward 
from the foot-hills of the Alleghenies to the Virginia borders, 
may be justly styled the Mother of the Western Counties ; and 
her soil was among the first points selected by the hardy 
pioneer and venturesome scout, on which to commence the 
work of civilization. 

Here all the embarrassments of a new settlement were en- 
countered. The terrible conflicts with the cruel and treach- 
erous red men, isolation from society, cut off from aid and 
intercourse with the Atlantic seaboard, were evils of no ordi- 
nary magnitude. 

The rugged passes of the Alleghenies then presented a for- 
midable barrier ; and the traveller who passed them found him- 
self, as it were, in a new world, where he was compelled to 
defend himself or perish. A continual conflict was waged 
between the sturdy pioneer and his implacable Indian foeman. 
These conflicts were for life, and all that made life dear, and 
were, however, only marked by individual acts of heroism, 
which produced none of those events affecting national great- 
ness, which it is the province of the historian to record. They 
will, therefore, find no place in the annals of our country ; yet it 
is to be hoped, nevertheless, that the indomitable reporter will 
start out in quest of traditionary lore, listen patiently to the 
reminiscences of hoary-headed men, and laboriously glean the 
frail and fragmentary memorials of other days. 



PONTIAC'S PLOT. 65 

Then will the hardy pioneer and gallant conqueror of the 
country of which we are so proud, find a place, if not with 
heroes of history, at least with heroes of romance. 

The exploits of the explorers of Westmoreland County, of 
which there is no authentic record, are well calculated to excite 
an interest in the breast of every American citizen. 

The memorable struggle between the legions of France and 
the battalions of England for supremacy in the great North- 
West, during which time the gorgeous Jiciir-dc-lis and the 
royal banner of St. George waved successively over the battle- 
ments of old Fort Duquesne, was happily terminated by the 
peace of 1763. Negotiations with this view were entered 
into during 1762, and were finally consummated early in 
the following year. By the condition of the treaty, France 
agreed to surrender absolutely all her possessions in North 
America to England. Anticipating an early peace, the former 
made a secret covenant with Spain, ceding to that nation the 
territory of Louisiana (in the year 1800 it was re-ceded to 
France, and in 1803 was purchased by the United States for 
fifteen million dollars), which at the time embraced a large por- 
tion of the South-West. The object of this secret covenant 
was evidently to keep from under the control of their hereditary 
enemy, the free navigation of the waters flowing through the 
Mississippi and Ohio valleys within the ceded territory. This 
deception was not apparent during the negotiation : it was only 
discovered at the time of the execution of the treaty. This 
covert disposition of the territory which they failed to maintain 
by the prestige of arms, was a diplomatic trick, seriously in- 
volving their national honor, and which came near defeating 
the object. In view of the prostration of. the country by the 
recent war, England resolved to accept the situation, trusting 
in her ability to acquire in the future the peaceful possession 
of the disputed territory. 

The restoration of peace, it was confidently hoped, would for- 
ever end the troubles and difificulties with the Indians, who 
were, with a few exceptions, the allies of France. 

This, however, was a fatal mistake ; as it proved the prelude 
to a most cruel and devastating war, destructive alike to life 



66 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

and property throughout the entire Western frontier. The 
contemplated and simultaneous uprising of the several hostile 
tribes was so unexpected, that the outposts were in a great 
measure unprepared to repel successfully their murderous on- 
slaughts, except in the instances of the attacks on Forts Pitt, 
Detroit, and Ligonier. 

Hitherto, the Indians, who had been held in subjection by the 
French, had been won over by a doubtful diplomacy and ap- 
parent kindness, so that the relations existing between them 
were of the most friendly character. 

When, however, they discovered that they were to be 
handed over, under the treaty, to their foe, they indignantly re- 
fused to consent thereto. The onward and steady progress of 
civilization carried forward by the indomitable Anglo-Saxon 
race, assured them that submission on their part would end in 
extermination : to prevent such a calamity, then was the time 
to act, while the forts were feeble and wide apart, and the set- 
tlements scattered and thinly populated. 

The war familiarly known as the Pontiac war, was so called 
because this great war-chief was the genius who devised, inau- 
gurated it, and carried it on with that relentless cruelty so 
characteristic of the North-American Indian. Pontiac's per- 
sonal efforts, however, were confined chiefly to the neighbor- 
hood around Detroit and the lakes ; while the operations on the 
borders of the Ohio were intrusted to warriors equally fierce 
and unrelenting. 

As far as the English and colonists were concerned, the 
contests were principally confined to Forts Pitt, Detroit, and 
Ligonier. All the frontier forts, except these three and 
Niagara, fell without an effort at defence : the latter was con- 
sidered too well fortified to be molested, so that the three 
former were the only ones that successfully resisted the ad- 
vancing tide of savage vengeance : whilst there was nothing 
left of the unfortunate garrisons and the settlements around 
them but a mass of smouldering ruins. Immured within the 
gloomy depths of a mighty wilderness, isolated from all inter- 
course with civilization, these gallant defenders not only main- 
tained their posts, but actually carried the war into the heart 



PONTIAC'S PLOT. 67 

of the enemy's country, and, at the point of the bayonet, 
wrung from them an unwilHng peace. 

The movements, therefore, on these three forts, and the ex- 
pedition that subsequently went out from them against the 
savages, comprise the entire history of the war as far as it 
relates to our own military movements. The sparse frontier 
defences scattered through the vast wilderness lying between 
the great northern lakes and the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, 
were but rude log enclosures, principally located on the lines 
of water communication, but occasionally met with in the heart 
of the forests, garrisoned by a mere handful of soldiers ; and 
the emblem of sovereignty floating above them seemed more of 
a burlesque than the distinguishing mark o^ a mighty nation. 
These forts, situated so distant from each other, were but mere 
dots in the interminable wilderness. 

The presence and maintenance of these isolated outposts 
inflamed the spirits of the haughty chiefs, who had the sagacity 
to believe, that, if the struggle for the supremacy was main- 
tained and accomplished by their foes, it would be the fore- 
shadowing of the red man's coming fate. 

To resist this encroachment on their rights, the head chiefs 
of the various tribes who inhabited the country, then only 
known and travelled by their own hunting and war parties, de- 
termined to crush out at once the power of their foes. 

The Shawnees, Delawares, Senecas, Wyandots, and Miamis, 
who considered themselves the exclusive masters of the terri- 
tory, being moved by their hatred and fear of their Anglo- 
Saxon foemen, joined together in a common cause, in order to 
wipe out at once, by a simultaneous movement, the further 
progress of civilization. 

Although rumors of this confederation occasionally reached 
the military authorities, they did not wholly ignore them, but 
rather treated them with a cool indifference highly discredit- 
able to their military education ; for, if prompt measures had 
been carried out on the first intimation of alarm, the sacrifice 
of life and the destruction of the outposts might have been 
prevented. 

It was in consequence of this fatal indifference, that, when 



68 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

the storm burst upon the forts and defenceless settlements, it 
came like the mighty tornado, carrying terror and destruction 
as it sweeps its irresistible course. 

The period of time selected by the tribes to carry into effect 
their purposes, evinced their profound knowledge and sagacity 
Operations were delayed until the harvests were safely gar- 
nered, so that their foes, with the provisions provided for their 
sustenance, might be destroyed at the same time. 

Fort Le Boeuf, on French Creek ; Venango, on the Allegheny ; 
Presque Isle, on Lake Erie ; La Bay, on Lake Michigan ; St. 
Joseph, Miami, Sandusky, and Michilimackinac, — went down in 
gloom one after another, with scarcely any resistance. Many 
of them fell by'stratagem, and their garrisons were cruelly 
massacred ; others capitulated, and shared the same fate ; out 
of all, only one, Le Boeuf, escaped. The defence of the latter 
proved futile, the Indians having succeeded in firing the adja- 
cent buildings. The garrison took refuge in the woods, and 
ultimately escaped. 

The royal banner of St. George, wherever it floated over 
mountain, prairie, and stream, within these vast domains, was 
stricken down. Forts Pitt, Niagara, Ligonier, and Detroit still 
remained intact ; and the hardy settlers who had escaped the 
murderous tomahawk and scalping-knife, fled for safety within 
their protecting walls. The intrepid trapper and venturesome 
trader were followed up with untiring zeal, and, when taken, 
were horribly tortured and ruthlessly butchered in cold blood 
in a manner only known to and practised by these human 
sleuth-hounds. 

The stout pioneer in the clearing, and the loved ones in the 
log cabin, fell alike before the rifle and tomahawk. 

The sound of the woodman's axe and the boom of the morn- 
ing and evening gun of the lonely forts went down in silence 
together ; and the fires of civilization, whose smoke gracefully 
ascended above the tree-tops, were extinguished with blood. 
Those who escaped the murderous raid, left their rude homes 
to the torch of the foe, and sought safety in flight, carrying 
with them a tale of blood and cruelty, the bare recital of which 
filled the border settlements with terror and dismay. In the 



PONTIAC'S PLOT, 69 

1 

midst of these scenes of gloom and desolation, the indomitable 
defenders of Forts Pitt, Detroit, and Ligonier watched with 
vigilance the movements of their treacherous assailants, thus 
assuring the safety of the forts, their flag gallantly spread to 
the breeze, the only emblems of Anglo-Saxon power and civili- 
zation in a land now covered with teeming cities, girdled by 
the wires of the electric telegraph, and traversed by a mighty 
network of railroads. 



70 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 



STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE. 



In gathering up the threads of the history of departed days, 
many of the incidents interwoven therewith are of a sad and 
melancholy nature, the truth of which is strongly exemplified 
in the following narrative of David Morgan and his wife 
Hannah, whose exemplary life and Christian character en- 
deared them to all their acquaintances. In writing the me- 
moirs of this excellent family, my intention will be to record 
such events as may be considered of interest to the general 
reader, 

*' Nothing extenuate, or aught set down in malice." 

With this object in view, I will endeavor, to the best of my 
ability, to give a faithful record of those friends of my early 
youth, whose many acts of kindness and affectionate regard 
still remains a bright spot, "to memory dear." 

There are many citizens of Allegheny, now living, who will 
doubtless remember this family and the sad calamity that befell 
them. 

On a pleasant evening in the year 1817, returning from a 
visit to Pittsburg, in company with my mother, and being 
detained in crossing the river, we did not reach the landing at 
Federal Street until the dusky shades of night began to appear. 
It must be remembered that this was long before the era of 
bridges and street-railways, and also anterior to the opening of 
streets from Federal throusrh to what was then called the 
" Bottoms," situate south of the base of Seminary Hill to the 
Allegheny River. The facility for getting to and from Pitts- 
burg was quite a different matter from what it is to-day. 



STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE. 71 

The only highway (if it may be called such) leading west 
from Federal Street to the Bottoms at that early day, was 
the erratic Bank Lane, which owing to the natural uneven- 
ness of the ground upon which it was located, and total 
neglect of the authorities of Ross township to put it in a 
condition for travel, it was for many years only accessible for 
foot-passengers. 

The usual and most convenient route for pedestrians was 
along the bank of the Allegheny River to the bank of a 
slough bordering the lands formerly belonging to the estate 
of the late William Robinson, jun., thence northerly along the 
bank to its junction with the water of a stream having its 
source in what was called Snyder's Hollow, now known by the 
more euphonious name of Pleasant Valley. Over this stream, 
near the junction above referred to, a giant sycamore had fallen, 
forming a narrow bridge convenient and easy of access. Over 
it the road led to Bank Lane, now South Avenue. At this 
point the slough took a westerly direction. The onward march 
of improvements, however, and the busy stream of dump-carts, 
will soon obliterate the few remaining landmarks so dear to the 
memory of those who in early youth sported upon its banks 
under the shade of its magnificent sycamores. Where now 
arethese mighty giants of the forest .-' Echo takes up the 
melancholy refrain, and answers where .-' The woodman's axe 
and the corroding elements of decay have done their work ; 
but one remains, a monument of the past and fostering care 
of the late Neil Mcllwain. It stands in front of the family 
residence on South Avenue. 

On the borders of the slough referred to, a narrow path led 
through a dense thicket of bushes, impervious to vision on 
each side : whilst yet within its gloomy depths, we were sud- 
denly started by a wailing cry, the sound of which, to my inex- 
perienced mind, indicated the presence of some wild animal ; 
not so with my mother. Her maternal instincts told her the 
nature of the cry. She forthwith determined to investigate 
matters, plunging into the cJiaparral. I followed her hasty foot- 
steps with fear and trembling. There, within its deep recesses, 
we found the Morgan family, who had just arrived from their 



72 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

far-off native land (Wales), seeking a more congenial home in 
the Western world. 

In the open air this little family were gathered in their 
lonely camp, the great round harvest moon sailing through the 
heavens, looking down in silent majesty upon the scene. The 
monotonous hum of insects, the melancholy cry of the loon 
sporting in the waters of the Allegheny, the dismal hoot of 
the owl, and doleful sound of the katydid, added to the gen- 
eral loneliness of the place. It was a scene well calculated to 
arouse the sympathetic feelings of our nature. I saw by my 
mother's dewy cheek and ghstening eye, that her generous 
heart was touched. She at once tendered to them a shelter 
under her own roof, until one more suitable to their wants 
could be provided. The night having now advanced, and there 
being no practicable way of removing them at the time, it had 
to be abandoned until the following morning. After a further 
examination of the surroundings, with a view to their comfort, 
and perfect understanding in regard to removal in the morning, 
we took our leave, and hastened home to put matters in shape 
to meet the contemplated addition to the family. 

Early on the following morning, in accordance with the 
previous understanding, they were again visited. After get- 
ting things in order, they were conducted to the quarters 
prepared for them. 

You may well imagine the condition of this family, when I 
tell you that all their worldly possessions were transported 
from the city of New York to Allegheny on a hand-cart drawn 
by the husband, the wife carrying one of the children. All 
those weary miles were traversed with a trust in their heav- 
enly Father well worthy the consideration and imitation of us 
all. • 

Some time during the year 1818, Mr. Morgan obtained 
employment as a stone-mason, on the Western Penitentiary, 
then in course of erection. His ability as an expert mechanic 
was considered of the highest order. The population at this 
early period being sparse, and dwellings scarce, in order to 
secure a home for his fam_ily, he determined to erect a rude 
shanty out of the material obtained from the numerous drift- 



STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE. 73 

piles lodged on the head of Smoky Island and adjacent tow 
heads. On the neutral or disputed territory known as Smoky 
or Killbuck Island, — the title to which has so long occupied 
the attention of our courts, the question of ownership having 
been recently settled by a decree of the Supreme Court, — he 
erected his humble dwelling. Here he lived in comparative 
peace and contentment in the midst of his happy family until 
the occurrence of the distressing calamity I am now about to 
relate. 

If my memory serves me right, it was in the autumn of 1820. 
Their nearest neighbors, Mr. Jacob Cupps and wife, invited 
them to spend a social evening with them, the distance inter- 
vening being about one hundred and fifty yards. Prior to 
leaving home, they carefully put their four children in bed, and 
made such other arrangements as the necessity of the case 
required. The respective ages of the children were about 
seven, five, three, and one years. There was but one mode of 
exit, the door of which was securely fastened on the outside, 
thus unfortunately defeating the main object they had in view, 
— the safety of their little ones. If it had not been for the 
latter circumstance, the destruction of life might not have been 
so general. 

During their absence, a fire occurred in their home. The 
theory of the cause that led to it was never satisfactorily 
explained : it remains a mystery to this day. The first knowl- 
edge they had of the disaster, which rendered them childless, 
was the reflection of the light of the burning building. On 
making the woful discovery, they and the Cupps family 
rushed in frantic haste, hoping to save their little ones, but 
alas ! too late : the devouring elements had done their work. 
They were the first on the ground : up to this time, there had 
been no alarm given. Silent had been the work of destruction. 
Many of the neighbors knew nothing of what had occurred 
until the following morning. 

In a part of the house not yet thoroughly enveloped in the 
flames, the cradle of the babe was known to be. Tearing off 
some of the slabs used in its construction, the father pene- 
trated the burning building, and rescued the babe, so horribly 



74 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

burned, that death in a very short time put an end to its life 
and sufferings. He was badly burned himself, barely escaping 
with life. 

As the burning building fell, a clear sheet of flame shot 
upwards, rendering surrounding objects clear and distinct ; and 
then all was total darkness, except when a flickering gleam 
was emitted from the smouldering debris that marked the spot 
of the conflagration. Under these cruel circumstances the 
neighbors found these unfortunate parents, mourning over 
the ashes of their lost ones. Notwithstanding this sad bereave- 
ment, their Christian fortitude never forsook them : relying 
upon the Divine promise to bless them that mourn, they lifted 
up their crushed and suffering souls to Heaven, and with lips 
all alive and tremulous with the love of a parent's heart, came 
forth the touching declaration of Job, " The Lord gave, and 
the Lord hath taken away : blessed be the name of the 
Lord ! " 

Owing to the severe injuries received, Mr. Morgan was com- 
pelled to cease work on the Penitentiary. Subsequently he 
obtained a lease of twenty acres of land for the term of seven 
years, belonging to our estate, on very favorable terms; the 
conditions being the payment of taxes, and make such im- 
provements as he might deem necessary for his own conven- 
ience. It was then an open common : it is now bounded by 
Beaver and Pennsylvania Avenues, Fulton and Fayette Streets, 
Fifth Ward, this city, and is densely populated. From the 
proceeds realized from the operations under this lease, he was 
enabled to purchase a farm of one hundred acres in Brighton 
township, Beaver County, to which he removed. To the in- 
domitable energy and business management of Mrs. Morgan, 
may be attributed in a great measure the prosperous condition 
of affairs. Every thing connected with the operation of the 
farm, and support of the family, was left entirely to her judg- 
ment ; and well did she perform the duties of the trust. In 
early life they espoused the cause of religion, and were con- 
nected with the regular Baptist church. After their advent in 
Allegheny, they joined the Methodist-Episcopal church, and 
have always proved themselves humble and devoted Christians. 



STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE. 75 

He died some years ago, surrounded by his family, full of years, 
and hopes of a blessed immortality. 

He leaves behind, a wife and seven children (four sons and 
three daughters) to mourn his loss. Two of his daughters are 
widows, their husbands having lost their lives in defence of the 
Union in the late war. 

Allegheny, Jan. 15, 1879. 



76 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



RIOT AT THE TEMPERANCE ARK, ALLEGHENY. 

MAY 16. 1843. 



Frank Johnston and his celebrated brass band, having per- 
formed successfully for several evenings before a Pittsburg 
audience, were invited by some of the leading " Washing- 
tonians " of Allegheny to give a series of concerts in the 
" Ark." With their accustomed generosity, they readily com- 
plied. These concerts were to inure to the benefit of the 
temperance cause. On Tuesday evening they gave their first 
concert ; and on this occasion a large crowd of men and boys 
gathered about the doors and windows, and by their riotous 
conduct did all in their power to mar the entertainment of the 
evening, and convert the " harmony of sweet sounds " into ter- 
rible discords. Notwithstanding these outside demonstrations, 
the music went on, failing, however, by its soothing influence 
to calm the savages without. 

Although the authorities did every thing in their power to 
suppress the tumult, yet the ringleaders of the atrocious out- 
rage upon these peaceful and unoffending colored citizens were 
permitted to escape the penalty of a broken law. 

After the close of the entertainment, and while the members 
of the band were on their way to their lodgings, they were set 
upon by the mob, and ruthlessly assaulted with such missiles 
as the assailants could lay their hands on, together with rotten 
eggs previously provided for the occasion. 

Frank Johnston, the leader, was slightly wounded, and three 
or four of his band seriously hurt about the head, so much so 
that they were confined to their rooms for several days on ac- 
count of the injuries received. 



RIOT AT THE TEMPERANCE ARK- yy 

It was a happy thing for all, especially for the ringleaders of 
the mob, that there were no lives taken ; for they hurled their 
missiles with murderous recklessness, if not with murderous 
intent. And when the fact is taken into consideration, that 
this gentlemanly band gave no provocation for the assault, but 
on the contrary were devoting their time and talents for the 
promotion of a good cause, the outrage appears all the more 
aggravating, and it was regarded by all law-abiding citizens 
with indignation. 

Frank Johnston was then considered one of the best cornet- 
players in the United States : he and his company having made 
the tour of Europe, performed before crowned heads, and hav- 
ing given concerts in all the principal cities of the South and 
South-West, were highly appreciated, wherever they performed, 
for their gentlemanly manners, and artistic delineation of char- 
acter of the Southern negro ; and the first insult received was 
on the occasion of their visit to Allegheny. 

Active measures were immediately adopted to bring the 
authors of the outrage to justice. There were two arrests 
made, who proved, during the trial of the case, that they were 
culpable only in being present among the rioters, apparently 
taking no active part in the assault. 

In consideration of this fact, a verdict of not guilty was 
rendered, and that the defendants pay the costs of prosecu- 
tion. In view of the latter, a motion was made for a new trial, 
which never came up for argument. 

By invitation of the citizens, Mr. Johnston and his company 
gave another concert at the " Ark " on the following Saturday 
evening ; and the performance on that occasion passed off 
without disturbance or interruption. 



7$ HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



THE COTTON-MILL RIOTS IN THE CITY OF ALLE- 
GHENY, MONDAY, JULY 31, 1848. 



During this period, the political party in power in the State 
was fast losing its ascendency ; their opponents having already 
elected their candidate, William F. Johnston, governor. To 
regain and maintain its lost prestige required a bold effort 
for a continuance of political power. With this view, the 
enactment of a stringent ten-hour law, with fines and penal- 
ties for its violation, was made a party measure. 

It was an easy matter to demonstrate that utter ruin would 
result to the cotton-mills in Allegheny, by running ten hours a 
day, against thirteen hours a day in the Eastern States. So, 
by common consent, all the mills closed operations, and dis- 
charged their employees, on the first day of July, when the ten- 
hour Act became a law. 

It soon became apparent that a majority of the operatives 
were anxious and willing to return to work under the former 
regime ; and with the view of determining the question, it was 
thought advisable that on a certain day all the cotton-mills 
should resume operations at twelve hours a day as before. 

Unfortunately, at this period, the iron-mill hands were on a 
strike ; so that at the appointed time, of the five mills, but one, 
the Penn, started up. 

The engines were promptly started in the morning, and by 
noon about one-half of the machinery was working. Trouble, 
however, was anticipated. Sheriff Forsyth was early on the 
ground. A large and highly excited crowd gathered around 
the premises, composed of both sexes, and demanded the dis- 
charge of the employees then at work, and the closing of 



THE COTTON-MILL RIOTS. 79 

the mill. This unreasonable demand being refused, the mob, 
with angry shouts and threats, forced an entrance, breaking 
doors and windows, driving from the building all who were at 
work, compelling the engineer to shut off steam, injuring the 
machinery, and causing much damage generally. 

The appeal of the sheriff to the rioters was met with sullen 
indifference ; and there being no response to his call upon the 
Posse CoviitaUis, he was powerless to quell the disturbance, 
leaving the mob in entire possession of the premises. It is 
proper to state, that no employee of the Penn was engaged in 
these riotous proceedings. 

Perhaps no single element in bringing about this unfortunate 
state of affairs was more conspicuous than the course adopted 
by the organ of the then political party in power, published in 
the city of Pittsburg. 

From day to day before the riot, its editorial columns teemed 
with appeals to the lowest passions of our human nature, and 
afterwards defended the gross outrage, holding up for public 
odium and contumely the honored names of some of our best 
merchants and manufacturers of both cities, whose only 
offence consisted in being interested in those extensive estab- 
lishments that had proved of vast public benefit. 

The destruction of property occasioned by turbulent acts of 
this sort, is of secondary consequence when compared with 
the gross outrage on society, the disturbance of peace and 
good order, the interference with the liberty of action, and 
danger to life. 

The best interests of all are indentified with the growing in- 
dustries of our country ; and those who seek to array labor 
against capital, as antagonists, make a fatal mistake. They 
are, and ought to be, natural allies, bound by a common com- 
munity of interest to afford mutual assistance and protection. 

The violence of a mob is not confined, as a general thing, 
to those against whom it is directed : others are in as much 
danger from violence as those who are its intended victims. 

Thirteen of the principal characters engaged in this riot 
were placed under arrest, and bound over to appear at court 
for trial. The question to be determined at these trials, was 



8o HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

not only the conviction of the guilty, but to ascertain if 
property paying heavy taxes was entitled to the protection 
of law. 

Much interest was manifested in the result of these trials : 
many members of the Pittsburg bar had volunteered in the 
defence. It became evident that the prosecuting attorney 
would need assistance : and Edwin M. Stanton (himself a 
Democrat) was appealed to, and nobly responded, by assum- 
ing the lead in the prosecution ; and by the justice of the cause 
he represented, and with the power of his great talents and 
eloquence, won the victory, which resulted in the conviction of 
eight of the thirteen accused. Seven of these forfeited their 
bail, and "fled to other fields and pastures new;" while the 
remaining one was sentenced by Judge Patton to hard labor 
in the Western Penitentiary for a term of years. Gov. 
Johnston, on the petition of the mill-owners, pardoned him 
before the expiration of his sentence. 

A special Act of the Legislature, applicable to the county 
of Philadelphia, made the county liable for all damage done 
to property therein by the act of a mob ; and, at the session of 
the Legislature subsequent to the cotton-mill riots, the pro- 
visions of the Act were extended to Allegheny County. It is 
therefore but fair to conclude, that, but for these cotton-mill 
riots, the county of Allegheny would not now be groaning 
under the Supreme Court verdict for the millions of damages 
awarded for property destroyed by the great railroad riots at 
Pittsburg within the last few years, and illustrative of the 
scriptural declaration, that "They who sow the wind may 
reap the whirlwind." 

The cotton-mills in operation at the time were the — 

Anchor, established in 1828 by Blackstock, Bell, & Co., in 
the First Ward, on Robinson Street, between Federal and 
Balkam Streets, extending along the latter to Lacock Street. 

Eagle King, Pennock & Co., bounded by Sandusky, Robin- 
son, and Isabella Streets, Fourth Ward, established in 1832 by 
Arbuckle & Avery. 

Hope, Pollard McCormick, on the corner of Lacock and 
Hope Streets, Fourth Ward. 



THE COTTON-MILL RIOTS. 8 1 

Penn,' Kennedy, Childs, & Co., fronting on River Avenue, 
between Federal and Sandusky Streets, extending back to 
Isabella Court, Fourth Ward, established in 1846. 

Banner, I. K. Moorhead & Co., on the corner of Main and 
Sycamore Streets, extending back to Carpenter's Alley, Fourth 
Ward, established in 1836 by Voeghtly & Bro. 

Franklin, E. Hyde & Sons, on West Canal Street, between 
Robinson and Lacock Streets, First Ward, established in 1858 
by E. Hyde. 

It was estimated, at the time of the occurrence, that these 
six mills operated over thirty-five thousand spindles, six hun- 
dred and fifty looms, and one hundred seventy-five cards, man- 
ufacturing annually over eleven thousand bales of cotton into 
sheeting, ticking, cotton-yarn, and cordage, to the value of over 
eight hundred thousand dollars, and afforded employment to at 
least one thousand hands. 

On the 7th of July, 1850, from the same cause which led to 
the troubles at the Penn mill, a disturbance took place among 
the female employees of the Eagle and Hope mills. This 
occurred during Mayor Fleming's first term, who, by his char- 
acteristic prompt and energetic measures, quelled the tumult 
before any serious damage had been accomplished. 

Note. — Railroad riot occurred 21 and 22 July, 1877. 

' The first slate roof in Allegheny County was put on this mill by Thomas Arnold, in 
1845, the year of the great Pittsburg fire. 



82 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



GAS EXPLOSION AT THE METHODIST PROTESTANT 
CHURCH, ALLEGHENY. 



On the thirteenth day of August, 1845, at six o'clock p.m., a 
terrible explosion of gas occurred in the gas-room connected 
with this church, situate on the East Common (now Union 
Avenue), near the corner of Ohio Street. This was anterior to 
the formation of the present gas-company. The late Rev. 
Charles Avery ' had procured a patent gas-apparatus from Cin- 
cinnati, for the use of the church, which had been in success- 
ful operation for over a year. The gasometer having com- 
menced leaking, some of the leading members of the church 
were called together, to assist the workmen in raising the gas- 
ometer out of the pit, in order to repair the damage. Having 
accomplished this, they were about to leave the building, when 
Mr. Karns discovered that he had left behind his walking-cane. 
Mr. Charles Brown proposed to go back to the gas-room, and 
get it for him : if it had not been for the latter circumstance, 
he would probably not have been killed. 

The sexton, — Mr, Herron, — Messrs. Russell and Eyester, 
were still in the gas-room, securing the gasometer: the others 
were standing outside. 

By this time it had become quite dark ; and Mr. Brown, sup- 
posing that all the gas had escaped from the building, entered 
it with a lighted candle, when the gas exploded, blowing the 
building to atoms. 

' The well-known philanthropist, the late Rev. Charles Avery, contributed largely to the 
building of this church, and subsequently erected the parsonage solely at his own cost. At his 
death he bequeathed to the church the sum of five thousand dollars, the interest of which was 
to be applied to the payment of the current expenses during the maintenance of the same. 



GAS EXPLOSION AT THE METHODIST CHURCH. %i 

Messrs. Eyester, Russell, and Herron were so terribly 
burned, that death ended their sufferings the same evening. 
Mr. Brown lingered in extreme torture for about ten days, 
when a merciful death put an end to his sufferings. 

Messrs. Karns and Williams, although severely burned, 
recovered. 



84 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



STEAM-BOILER EXPLOSION, OF THE COTTON -BATTING 
FACTORY OF JAMES AND ANDREW FIFE. 



Precisely at eleven o'clock a.m., on the twenty-sixth day of 
March, 1849, the steam-boiler of the Cotton-Batting Factory, 
owned and operated by James and Andrew Fife, exploded, 
completely wrecking the building, setting it on fire, and entirely- 
consuming it, with all its effects, together with other buildings 
in the immediate neighborhood. 

The melancholy feature of this disaster was the loss of life. 

James Fife and his daughter , Miss Elizabeth Staley, and 

William Bell, were the prominent victims : there were three 
others who died afterwards from injuries received on this occa- 
sion. 

William Bell, nephew of the Fifes, had his head completely 
severed from his body by a portion of the boiler. Mr. Fife and 
his daughter, and Miss Staley, were caught among the falling 
timbers and machinery, buried beneath the dSris ; and before 
assistance could reach them, the fire had done its work, and a 
merciful death ended their life and sufferings. 

It is related by an eye-witness of the shocking calamity, that 
Miss Staley having been caught, and firmly held between por- 
tions of the machinery, a brave effort was made to save her : 
the attempt, however, proved abortive. Failing to move the 
machinery under which she was held, and the flames rapidly 
surrounding them, to save their own lives, they were reluctantly 
compelled to abandon her to her awful fate. She heroically 
urged them to desist, and said her only hope was in death. 

Mary Staley (now Mrs. Showers), then ten years of age, a 
sister of the one above mentioned, was rescued from the ruins, 



STEAM-BOILER EXPLOSION. 85 

uninjured physically, but mentally demoralized from the effects 
of her perilous situation. 

Another of the young girls employed in the factory, 
whilst fleeing to a place of safety, was caught by some of 
the falling timbers, but was rescued before the flames 
reached her. 

The factory was located on the rear of the lot, now No. 89 
Ohio Street, between East Common and Sandusky Street. The 
front on Ohio Street was occupied by frame-dwellings, in which 
the families of the Fifes resided. 

There were two buildings connected with this factory : the 
one on the west side of the lot was occupied by the Fife 
Brothers for the manufacture of cotton-batting. They subse- 
quently erected a three-story building on the east side, adjoin- 
ing the former, and had it rented out for the manufacture of 
hat-bodies, picture and looking-glass frames. The steam- 
power for this was supplied from the boilers in the basement 
of the cotton-batting factory. This was also destroyed, to- 
gether with its entire effects. There were employed in both 
these factories some twenty men and women. 

When the boiler exploded, a portion of it passed through the 
rear end of the building No. 97, northwest corner of East 
Common (now Union Avenue) and Ohio Street, and landed 
on the East Common ; another portion was carried towards 
Sandusky Street. The main body of the boiler was deposited 
on the porch of house No. 57 East Common. 

The frame-dwelling occupied by the Fifes ; the ancient log 
house built and occupied by the late Hugh McGonnigle (who 
was among the first settlers in Allegheny), situate on the 
north-west corner of Ohio Street and East Common, —were 
also entirely consumed. Nos. 37 and 38 East Common, 
although considerably damaged, would have shared the same 
fate, had the wind not changed to a northerly point, and driven 
the flames towards Ohio Street. 

Jonathan Rush, who was subsequently elected mayor of the 
city, was engaged at the time in the hat-body department, and 
received some slight injuries. 

The house on the west side of the factory, now No. ^7, was 



86 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

SO much shattered by the force of the explosion, that it had to 
be strengthened with iron rods, etc. 

The factory was never rebuilt. The disaster having deter- 
mined the ruin of the firm financially, the survivor was unable 
to re-establish the business. 



EAGLE COTTON-MILL DISASTER. 

On Monday morning, in the month of October, in the year 
1833 or 1834, the boilers of the Eagle Cotton-Mill exploded, 
causing a partial destruction of the building and the death of 
thirteen of the employees. 

A dense fog was prevailing at the time, rendering surround- 
ing objects dimly visible through its murky veil. 

The employees had not all arrived : half an hour later, the 
mortality would doubtless have been much greater. 

The first bell had sent forth its warning note : many were 
on their way, anticipating the second ringing, for all to be 
promptly at their position when the engine would start putting 
the machinery in motion. Just before the time for com- 
mencing operations, the engineer, Alexander Morrow, dis- 
covered that the packing in the cylinder required adjusting. 
Supposing it would occupy but a few moments of time to rem- 
edy it, he neglected to open the furnace-doors, and shift the 
weight on the safety-valve ; and, returning to his post at the 
throttle-valve, he started the engine. On the first revolution, 
the boilers exploded, creating a scene of desolation and ruin 
fearful to behold. In addition to the number killed outright, 
there were several more or less injured, who finally recovered. 

Alexander Morrow, the engineer, was frightfully scalded : he 
lingered in terrible torment for a few hours, when a merciful 
death terminated his distress. 

James Fleming, a promising youth, brother to the well-known 
firm of Fleming Brothers, an employee of the mill, was among 
those instantly killed. 

An excited multitude soon assembled on the ground, and 
with willing hands and anxious hearts commenced the work of 
removing the wreck, in order to reach those who were caught 



STEAM-BOILER EXPLOSION. 8/ 

between the timbers and machinery, or buried beneath the 
chaotic mass. Guided by the groans of the unfortunate vic- 
tims, every effort was made to reach and save them from the 
horrors of impending death. 

A Frenchman, commonly known as " French Louis," a 
machinist, was just entering the door of the engine-room at 
the time of the explosion : a portion of the boiler struck him 
between the mouth and eyes, carrying away the entire top of 
his head. 

Another Frenchman, familiarly known as " French Jimmy," 
generally employed about the machinery, was also severely in- 
jured, but ultimately recovered. 



88 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



A FIRE. 



During the year of 1856, a disastrous fire broke out in the 
extensive Wagon Works of Phelps, Carr, & Co., extending to 
the Plow Works of Hall & Spear, both of which were entirely 
consumed, together with their principal contents, and all the 
buildings on the two squares bounded by Beaver Avenue, 
Locust, Walnut, and Market Streets, except the three-story 
brick building situate on the south-west corner of Beaver 
Avenue and Locust Street, and the one-story frame-dwelling 
on the north-east corner of Walnut and Market Streets, both 
of which were considerably damaged. 

This fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, and was 
the third effort made to fire the same, — the two first proving 
unsuccessful. General suspicion was aroused, and pointed to 
one person, who, strange to relate, was never made to suffer 
the penalty of his crime. There was about $10,000 insurance 
on the Wagon Works ; but owing to these suspicions, and the 
insolvency of some of the insurance companies, very little was 
realized. The Plow Works were fully insured. 

The Wagon Works were rebuilt by Phelps, Parke, & Co. in 
1857, who operated the same until 1874, when they were suc- 
ceeded by the Pittsburg Wagon Works Company. The works 
were again destroyed by fire on the evening of the i6th of 
August, 1878. There was no insurance. This also was said 
to be the work of an incendiary. During the progress of the 
fire, a fatal accident occurred, resulting in the death of John 
Hurber of No. 3 Long Alley, Third Ward. A large amount 
of government work, together with other unfinished work, ma- 
chinery, tools, etc., was entirely consumed. 



A FIRE. 89 

The first and second stones of the brick building on the 
corner of Beaver Avenue and Locust Street (occupied by D, 
Hamilton as a drug-store and dwelling), and the third story (by 
Davage Lodge of Masons), and contents of each, were much 
damaged by water, — the former to the amount of ^500, upon 
which there was no insurance, and the latter to the amount of 
^300, covered by the Armenia. 

The fire, crossing Locust Street, partially destroyed the 
buildings owned by William F. Trimble, Mrs. Watson, S. 
Wadsworth, and the Patterson heirs, all of which were fully 
insured by the Humboldt, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and 
People's, except the building owned by the Widow Watson. 



90 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



FIREMEN'S RIOT, 1849. 



On Monday, July i6, 1849, the great firemen's riot, and con- 
sequent loss of property, took place. Those who lost their 
property have abundant reason to remember the event, and 
regret the impotency of the city authorities to deal with 
lawlessness. 

The deep mutterings of discontent on the part of the fire- 
men, caused by the refusal of councils to increase the annual 
appropriation for the department, produced considerable alarm 
among the citizens. The matter was officially brought to the 
notice of councils by the firemen in the form of a memorial, 
setting forth the causes which led to the dissatisfaction. The 
language, unfortunately, was of a threatening nature : it de- 
clared, that, if their demands were not affirmatively acted upon, 
they would stand aloof with their apparatus in case of fires. 
Notwithstanding this dictatorial and disrespectful language, 
councils treated the question in a prudent and proper manner, 
by the appointment of a committee to confer with the men, and 
report a basis for the settlement of the difficulty. This, how- 
ever, did not appear to meet with favor. The unhappy state 
of affairs continued, with no hope of its peaceful adjudication, 
until it culminated in the disaster of the i6th (which some 
averred was specially gotten up for the occasion). The insub- 
ordination exhibited by the firemen on that day, effectually 
sealed the fate of the independent fire-department of Allegheny. 
It is but justice to say, that many of the members of the de- 
partment, although they acquiesced in the demand for an in- 
crease of the annual appropriation, condemned the language 
employed, and the course pursued, by their colleagues. By a 



FIREMEN'S RIOT, 1849. 9 1 

resolution of council specially convened, the mayor was in- 
structed and authorized to take possession of the entire fire- 
apparatus of the city, and to call a public meeting of the citi- 
zens without delay, to consider the condition of affairs, and 
report a plan to councils to meet the extraordinary emergency. 

In pursuance of the call of Mayor Rush, the citizens in 
general meeting assembled in the Fourth-ward schoolhouse, 
when the following suggestions were recommended to councils 
for adoption : to wit, — 

To re-organize the entire fire-department, and to appoint a 
superintendent for the same ; to appropriate ;^500 for the prose- 
cution of the leading spirits engaged in the riot, and to distrib- 
ute the four engines and apparatus as follows : — ^ 

The "Wm. Penn " in the First Ward. 

The " Washington " in the Second Ward. 

The " Uncle Sam " in the Third Ward. 

The " President " in the Fourth Ward. 

A resolution of thanks is justly due to the indefatigable fire- 
men of our sister city, who, notwithstanding the threats of the 
rioters, nobly exerted themselves in staying the spread of the 
flames. They were early on the ground ; but alas ! vandal-like, 
the rioters cut and otherwise mutilated their hose, rendering 
them entirely useless, thus carrying out the nefarious orders 
of the chief conspirators, — to prevent at all hazard the saving 
of property. 

There can be no good reason assigned to justify an act so 
treacherous on the part of the firemen in betraying the confi- 
dence of the citizens in their efificiency and integrity. The 
refusal of the councils to accede to their demands for material 
aid, was not in itself a sufficient cause to warrant them in with- 
holding their own aid, much less, by threats and overt acts, 
intimidate others who felt disposed to do all in their power to 
save their neighbor's property. To discuss the policy of party 
at this late day, would be productive of no good, as many of 
the actors on that occasion have long since passed away. We 
would, however, hazard the opinion, that, if a different course 
had been adopted by the firemen, they would have covered 
themselves with imperishable renown instead of lasting disgrace. 



92 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

The fire commenced on the south side of Gay Alley, between 
Arch Street and the Diamond, in a carpenter-shop occupied by 
Henry Charles, 

The origin of the fire was never satisfactorily accounted 
for : it was alleged that the proprietor, who was an inveterate 
smoker, had carelessly dropped a match among the shavings 
after lighting his cigar, and immediately left the building on 
business. 

Soon the whole shop was enveloped in a mass of flames. A 
light wind from the south prevailing at the time, the fire crossed 
the alley to the Dewdrop property, from which it rapidly spread 
to buildings on Arch and Ohio Streets and the Diamond, cross- 
ing Arch, and setting fire to the First Presbyterian Church, 
accomplishing its entire ruin, together with other valuable prop-- 
erty on the same square. 

At this unfortunate period, the fire-apparatus of the city was 
not in very efficient order. The Wm. Penn and Washington, 
located in the old Town-house on the south-west Diamond 
Square ; and the President, on the corner of Lacock and Ander- 
son Streets; and the Uncle Sam, on Union Avenue, — at no time 
were considered equal to extinguishing large fires. They were 
worthless now, owing to the complications existing between 
the councils and the firemen. On the first alarm, the firemen 
hastened to their respective engine-houses, in order to prevent 
the citizens from taking out the engines, and carefully guarded 
the doors, and whilst the destructive element spread, and envel- 
oped their neighbors' property, and in a most determined and 
malignant manner threatened with personal violence all who 
would attempt to interfere. 

As an instance of the riotous conduct of the firemen, and 
sympathy of many of the citizens therewith, the following is 
related : The La Fayette from the borough of Manchester was 
brought early on the ground : not being aware of the condition 
of affairs, the company commenced unreeling their hose, and 
getting their engine in position to go into operation, with a 
view to save the church if possible, and check the spread of 
the flames to surrounding buildings. 

This could have been easily accomplished if they had been 



FIREMEN'S RIOT, mO. 93 

permitted to do so, as the fire had only slightly taken effect on 
the heavy cornice under the roof. Threats, however, of per- 
sonal violence, and destruction of their apparatus, caused a 
delay ; and in the mean time the progress of the flames rendered 
the saving of the church impossible. 

This company possessed the means and the will to render effl- 
cient aid if they had been let alone; or if the men had received 
the least encouragement from the citizens, they would have run 
the risk of personal violence and the destruction of their engine. 
Failing in this, they heroically formed a bucket-brigade, with 
a determination to assist in this way in staying the further 
progress of- the fire. 

It was fortunate for the citizens of Allegheny, that the day 
was calm : otherwise it would have been impossible to tell where 
the destruction would have ceased. 

The appeal of the venerable pastor of the church (Rev. E. P. 
Swift) to the firemen, with a view to saving the church,' backed 
by the liberal offer of his year's salary as an inducement, was 
received by them with sullen indifference ; but, whenever danger 
threatened property belonging to sympathizers, it was promptly 
met, and the danger avoided. 

The loss was estimated at ;^6o,ooo, on which there was a 
small amount of insurance, say ;^5,ooo, the principal part of 
which was on the church. 

' The church was rebuilt, and opened for public worship May 12, A.D. 1850. 



94 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



THE GREAT FIRE. 



On the Fourth July, 1874, at twelve o'clock m., a disastrous 
fire broke out in the Second Ward, in a large frame carpenter- 
shop, Nos. 255 and 257 Federal Street, occupied by Messrs. 
Cresswell and Burgoyne. 

For some days before the fire occurred, the weather had 
been dry, with high winds prevailing from a north-westerly 
point : notwithstanding this fact, the heat was oppressive. 
The origin of the fire was evidently caused by the too careless 
use of fire-crackers, igniting the dry dibris in and around the 
shop. In a very short time the devouring element spread with 
startling rapidity throughout the doomed district. The day 
being intensely warm, the hot rays of the sun, together with 
the heat arising from the burning buildings, rendered the situ- 
ation of the firemen almost intolerable, and their efforts to save 
embarrassing. Not a cloud obscured the brightness of the 
noonday sun. The gale continued to augment, carrying with it 
the flames and burning cinders, until a large portion of the ward 
lying west of Federal Street, south of Sampson Street, east of 
Arch, and north of Benton Alley, was a tempest of fire. 

The panic among the citizens now became serious, and ap- 
prehensions were entertained that the whole northern section 
of the city would become involved in the ruin. 

In addition to the general consternation, a report of a de- 
ficiency of a supply of water in the reservoirs, the result of the 
disabled condition of the forcing-engines, created grave fears 
that the gallant efforts of the firemen would prove unequal to 
the emergency : consequently particular attention was directed 
to the saving of buildings on the verge of the fire, with a 
view to confine the damage to as small a space as possible. 



THE GREAT FIRE. Q5 

In view of this alarming state of affairs, orders were issued 
to shut off the water in the lower districts of the city, in order 
that the fast-failing supply might be concentrated in the neigh- 
borhood of the burning district : it was owing to this wise 
measure, together with the efficient aid and gallant efforts 
of the fire-department of our sister city, that the progress of 
the conflagration was checked. 

The imminent danger stimulated every house-holder to be 
watchful, and to adopt .prompt measures to extinguish incipient 
flames communicated by floating sparks, etc. Toward evening 
a happy sense of relief was evinced by expressions of joy and 
hope, as it became apparent that the heroic firemen would win 
the battle. Although exhausted by their mighty efforts, they 
still maintained their positions until success crowned their 
labors. The indomitable spirit and efficiency manifested by 
them on that occasion elicited the highest praise and earnest 
commendation of the citizens generally. 

At three o'clock p.m. the fire crossed Federal Street, de- 
stroying and damaging buildings from No. 248 to 274 inclusive, 
besides several others on White-oak Alley, Hemlock and 
Pearl Streets. Ere night came, it was under complete subjec- 
tion ; but its work had been accomplished, and nothing remained 
of that thickly populated district but a mass of smouldering 
ruins. 

The total amount of loss was estimated at $244,742 ; total 
amount of insurance on the same, ;^i 1 1,815.04 ; number of 
buildings consumed and damaged, 199. 



96 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

9 



THE GREAT RAIN-STORM AND LOCAL FLOOD OF 
THE 26TH JULY, 1874. 



The citizens of Allegheny have abundant reason to remem- 
ber the month of July, 1874. They had scarcely recovered 
from the shock of the calamitous fire of the Fourth, ere they 
were again called upon to witness a scene far more appalling, 
because it not only involved the loss of property, but a terrible 
destruction of life. 

Appalling disasters, like appalling crimes, are too rare to dis- 
cipline the heart to ponder over the shocking details with 
ordinary emotions. 

Our most enlarged benefactions are insufficient to mitigate 
the terrible sorrows of those whose family and property have 
been destroyed as thoroughly as if they had never been. It 
was altogether a sad and melancholy scene, — one that, if 
spread on canvas, would surely fix the eye for a long time, 
but in the reality creates an indelible impression upon the 
memory. The shocking details which go to make up the 
picture of this terrible calamity are utterly indescribable. 
They pass before us as a weird vision, and make us feel the 
poverty of words and the weakness of eloquence. 

The weather in the afternoon was somewhat showery, unpor- 
tentous of any unusual disturbance. 

The rain ceased about seven o'clock, and the rays of a gor- 
geous sunset lit up the western horizon with the glory of 
departing day. 

The people attended religious services in their respective 



THE GREAT RAIN-STORM. 97 

churches as usual ; whilst many promenaded the public parks 
and avenues, seeking pleasure or recreation, discussing the 
events of the day, and prospects of the morrow, which, alas ! to 
many never came. 

Thus fell the shades of night. The weary retired to rest, 
and silence brooded over the deserted streets. What a wonder- 
ful change was effected in a few short hours ! About eight 
o'clock vivid flashes of lightning in the north and south, ac- 
companied by loud peals of thunder, heralded the coming 
torrent. Soon the gathering storm-clouds came together with 
terrible force, opening their flood-gates of destruction over the 
doomed districts, extending from the valleys of Butcher's, 
Spring Garden, and Wood's Runs on the north, to McLaugh- 
lin's, Painter's, Saw-mill, and Beck's Runs on the south, cover- 
ing an area of about sixteen miles from north to south, and five 
miles from east to west. 

The storm appeared to be the result of a combination of, or 
rather a collision between, separate forces approaching from 
opposite directions ; coming together over the doomed dis- 
tricts, covering the heads of the streams above mentioned, 
whose valleys were filled with the pluvial down-pour, until 
each became a mighty river, carrying death and destruction as 
it rushed onward towards its natural outlet. 

Never, within the recollection of its oldest inhabitant, has 
Allegheny been visited by a rain-storm so disastrous in its con- 
sequences. Down from the neighboring hillsides came the 
rushing waters, to add their instalments to the overflow on the 
plain below, gathering strength and motion by the concentra- 
tion of the numerous rivulets, forming gullies, down which the 
roaring waters swept with irresistible power, leaving the sur- 
face as if it had been riven by an earthquake. 

Every obstacle opposing the mighty flow went down be- 
fore it. Substantial brick buildings melted away as if they 
were constructed of quicksand : wooden structures arose 
from their foundations, were carried along on the bosom 
of the fast-accumulating waters, and broken up when hurled 
against other buildings which vainly opposed their onward 
course. Nothing in its path escaped destruction, — houses. 



98 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

bridges, trestle-work, trees, etc., all going down before it, pre- 
senting to the eye a scene of ruin and dismay the like of which 
it is to be hoped we shall never witness again 

The destruction of property, although immense, is nothing 
when compared with the loss of human life. Many who 
retired to rest on that fatal night, in the doomed districts, 
were pallid corpses when the morning light broke upon the 
terrible scene. 

Little children, lisping their appropriate nursery-rhymes, had 
no thought that the full significance of their prayer would be 
realized ere morning came. Their delicate bodies were recov- 
ered from the chaotic mass, so horribly disfigured and covered 
with foul and loathsome impurities as to be scarcely recogniz- 
able. It was a scene well calculated to arouse the sympathies 
of our nature : strong men wept ; and feeble women wailed, and 
were borne fainting away. Whole families, in some instances, 
were lost, their dwellings falling in ruins upon them. 

Language fails to do justice to the terrible scenes presented 
to our gaze on the following morning. Those who escaped the 
disaster of the night hastened to the scene of ruin, in search 
of the bodies of the lost ones. 

Willing hands were soon at work, removing the debris ; while 
others waited with anxious hearts, hoping their missing ones 
had escaped. As corpse after corpse was recovered from the 
ruins, and identified, the spectators stood awe-struck. 

As the storm-clouds burst, and the descending rain fell upon 
the range of hills north of the city, the waters sought their 
natural outlets through the valleys of Butcher, Spring-garden, 
and Wood's Runs, expanding the streams flowing through 
them into terrible elements of destruction, against which man's 
efforts were impotent. In the Butcher's-run Valley, some 
distance from its intersection with Spring-garden Valley, the 
accumulating water first appeared, gathering strength and 
volume from the flow from the hillsides, and swept on its 
headlong course, making a clean sweep of every thing in its 
path, until it met the equally impetuous outpouring of the 
flood of Spring Garden. 

In the upper portion of the latter, the damage was less than 



THE GREAT RAIN-STORM. 



99 



in the former : nevertheless, the marks of the flood were as 
clearly defined. This valley, for over a mile, presented a 
most melancholy appearance. Buildings of every description 
were carried away, and huddled together in confused masses, 
forming a picture of desolation and ruin which beggars 
description. 

At the intersection of Madison Avenue and East Street, the 
water, relieved from its comparatively narrow limits, spread 
with startling rapidity upon the improved thoroughfares, rushed 
through them, gaining strength, causing a terrible loss of life 
and property. On East Street the water flowed a short dis- 
tance, causing considerable damage : thence it took an east- 
erly course, until it met the impetuous flow which had taken 
Madison Avenue for its channel. The large sewer under the 
latter, constructed with a view to receive the ordinary flow of 
the stream, was rent asunder by the pent-up waters, leaving a 
yawning chasm twenty feet in depth. For nearly a mile, the 
thoroughfares were gashed and hollowed out from twelve to 
fifteen feet deep. The buildings on both sides were flooded, 
and the weaker ones wrecked : others, lifted from their founda- 
tions, held together until Vista Street was reached ; the terrified 
occupants imprisoned in the upper stories, escaped a death 
which otherwise seemed inevitable. 

Concord Street crosses the run at a grade of about eigh- 
teen feet above the natural bed of the stream : the turbulent 
waters rushed through the channel, under the bridge, until 
obstructed by floating wrecks, and a dam was formed. For a 
short time it withstood the pressure, but finally gave way, the 
waters making a clean breach through it, of at least forty feet 
in width. O'Hara Street, which is the next parallel to Con- 
cord, descends by an easy grade to its junction with Spring- 
garden Avenue, on both of which were neat and substantial 
brick and frame dwellings, owned and occupied by persons in 
comfortable, and some of them in affluent, circumstances. As 
the flood, checked for a moment at Concord Street, burst its 
way through other channels, it precipitated itself upon the large 
culvert beneath O'Hara and adjacent streets, tearing them 
asunder with the power of an earthquake, upheaving the sur- 



100 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

face, and demolishing solid buildings. Here the great destruc- 
tion of life took place. 

The weary had retired to rest, with feelings of confidence 
that the crisis had been reached and passed. But alas ! how 
soon they realized their fatal mistake ! Ere slumber had 
locked their senses in forgetfulness, with the pent-up waters 
above bursting their barriers, came the awful noise of the 
impetuous flood, as it sought its way into the sewers con- 
structed to receive the ordinary flow of the streams through 
the valleys of Butcher's Run and Spring Garden. 

These sewers were deemed of sufficient capacity to meet all 
ordinary contingencies : in this case, however, they proved an 
element of destruction, rather than a means of safety. The 
increasing flood rendered the capacity of the sewers inadequate 
to its free discharge : resisting the mighty pressure for a short 
time, their confines finally burst, creating a vortex, through 
which the vehement waters whirled and tossed in their mad 
career. 

The sudden upheaval of the sewers was alike destructive to 
life and property. Substantial buildings were lifted from their 
foundations as if caught in the embrace of an earthquake, 
over which the mighty avalanche of waters passed, carrying 
death and destruction to many : even whole families were 
swept away, to be seen no more in life. 

Merciful slumber had rendered many of the victims oblivi- 
ous of their surroundings ere the advent of the dark angel. 
Some were found stretched upon their beds, their bodies 
stained with foul and loathsome impurities, which otherwise 
had the appearance of voluntary repose. To such, the sudden 
darkness, the lightning blaze, the boom of the distant thunder, 
and the roar of the rapidly accumulating waters, gave no warn- 
ing of the awful calamity that was approaching. 

In the valley of Wood's Run, the disaster was marked with 
the same features of death, destruction of property, and narrow 
escapes. 

At the intersection of Wood's-run and McClure Avenues, 
the full force of the flood was felt : from this point to the 
river, its flow was impetuous and destructive. This locality 



THE GREAT RAIN-STORM. 101 

was not so thickly settled ; and the damage, though great, was 
not to be compared with the losses in the Butcher's-run and 
Spring-garden districts : the loss of life, however, was pro- 
portionably as serious. 

The same tragedy was enacted, the same scenes of desperate 
effort and calm despair took place, each one indulging in his 
own private griefs, to the exclusion of all thought of the heav- 
ier calamity which had fallen upon others. 

On the south side, from the Monongahela Bridge to where 
Saw-mill Run empties into the Ohio, although considerable 
damage and discomfort were caused by the scour and debris 
from the hillsides flooding the basements of buildings between 
the hill and Carson Street, there is no record of the loss of a 
single life. But in the Saw-mill Run Valley, the terrible nature 
and devastating effects of the flood became more apparent as 
the eye took in the scenes of sudden desolation. For a long 
distance up this valley, the evidence of its irresistible power 
was everywhere visible. Every opposing object was swept 
away in a moment. Dwellings, out-houses, bridges, and tres- 
tle-work, all went down before its mighty power, tossed and 
hurled about like leaves on the surging waters. 

The new and substantial iron bridge over the stream near 
the Gas Works, and the one at Carson Street, were torn from 
their foundations, and carried into the river. 

On Beck's Run, the storm was equally severe, and has also 
left its sad record of mortality, and destruction of property. 
The distance of this valley from the Monongahela River to 
the base of the hills is about two miles. The hills at the 
head and on each side are precipitous, and cut up with gullies, 
through which its small streams flow. 

These, arising among the range of hills covered by the 
storm, at once became raging torrents, hurling, with the power 
of an avalanche, every thing movable in their course to the 
valley below. Here the vast accumulation of timber, etc., 
formed a temporary dam, above which the turbulent waters 
rose with frightful rapidity. For a brief period, the obstruc- 
tion withstood the mighty pressure, then broke away, carrying 
every thing before it in its mad career to the river. 



102 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

To this latter circumstance may be attributed the melan- 
choly loss of life at this point. 

From a point north of Mansfield, to a short distance above 
where McLaughlin's and Painter's Runs empty into Chartiers 
Creek, the full force of the storm and flood was felt. 

Never, within the recollection of the oldest inhabitant, have 
the residents of this beautiful valley been visited with an 
occurrence so disastrous in its consequences to life and prop- 
erty. 

Along the borders of Chartiers Creek, and especially in the 
vicinity of Mansfield, the loss of property was immense ; and 
many who had long enjoyed peaceful homes upon its borders 
will have abundant reason to remember the sad event, and 
regret their impotent efforts in resisting the destruction of 
their own and neighbors' property. 

The loss of life, as far as can be ascertained, is estimated at 
124; viz.,— 

At Butcher's, Spring-garden, and Wood's Runs ... 70 
At Chartiers Creek, including McLaughlin's and Painter's 

Runs 12 

At Saw-mill Run 32 

At Beck's Run 9 

Total 124 

As an evidence of the impetuosity of the current in the Saw- 
mill Run Valley, an instance is related of a very valuable lead- 
horse, attached to a team belonging to " Taylor's " Salt Works, 
being carried along amidst floating debris into the river, and, 
by the force of the out-flow, carried across the river, and landed, 
without injury, on the northern bank, immediately below the 
end of Chartiers Street. 



THE OLD THIRD-STREET THEATRE. 103 



REMINISCENCES OF THE OLD THIRD-STREET 

THEATRE. 



The onward march of improvement, and ceaseless desire for 
change, will soon obliterate the few remaining old landmarks of 
the city of smoke. In the following brief memoir, the author 
has endeavored to elaborate events of a period when the genius 
of Ross, Baldwin, Forward, Biddle, Wilkins, Dallas, Craig, 
Shaler, Breckenridge, Lowrie, and Walker enlivened the halls 
of justice with the power of their eloquence ; the faithful 
ministers of grace, Taylor, Heron, Bruce, Black, Swift, Stock- 
ton, Shinn, Kerr, Fathers McGuire and O'Brien, heralded forth 
from the sacred desk the glad tidings of salvation to a sinful 
people ; and Mowry, Agnew, Lewis, Gazzam, Stevenson, Brunot, 
Irwin, Holmes, Speer, and Armstrong occupied the front rank 
of the medical profession. 

The first theatre built in Pittsburg was located on the east 
side of Third Street, near the corner of Smithfield Street, on 
the westerly half of lot marked No. 310 in the general plan of 
the city, which was conveyed by John Penn, and John Penn, 
jun., to Robert Smith by deed dated Sept. 30, 1790, and from 
Smith to Samuel Peoples by deed dated 26th March, 18 13, who 
conveyed the same to Henry Holdship, Feb. 6, 1828, who, by 
deed dated Sept. 25, 1833, conveyed the same to John McGill 
and George Davies, who conveyed the same to Zantzinger Mc- 
Donald by deed dated Feb. 23, 1835, who conveyed the same 
to Thomas Hanna by deed dated March 25, 1836, who, by deed 
dated Aug. 5, 1836, conveyed to William Stewart, Jan. 5, 1837, 
and by the latter conveyed the same, by deed bearing date 



104 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

March 27, 1837, to James Wood, and on the second day of 
March, 1868, the heirs of James Wood conveyed the premises 
to the Dollar Bank, the present owner. 

The Pittsburg Gymnasium was erected about the year 1842 
or 1843, by Samuel Barrett, on the site of the old theatre. It 
was quite a favorite institution, and was conducted on scientific 
principles by the projector and his successor, the late John 
McClelland. 

The gymnasium, like its time-honored predecessor, had to 
bow down before the advancing tide of improvement. Al- 
though their glories have departed, their old-time votaries still 
remember them with pride and pleasure. 

The theatre was erected between the years 1817 and 1820, 
by Charles Weidner, architect and builder, and was a substan- 
tial frame structure, sixty feet front, two stories in height, with 
a projection over the entrance, supported by plain columns, 
ticket-ofifice on the right, and the passage-way to the pit and 
gallery on the left. The rear of the lot, twenty-five feet, was 
occupied by a one-story building of sufficient height for the 
proper working of the stage - machinery. The interior was 
tastefully fitted up with dress-circle, pit, gallery, and pro- 
scenium boxes (the latter for special patrons of the drama), 
with the usual orchestra accommodation in front of the 
foot-lights. The painting under the proscenium arch, which 
extended to the full height of the building, was a fine specimen 
of art, representing the several phases of the drama, — tragedy, 
comedy, pantomime, etc., — under which appeared the Latin 
motto, VebUi in speculum. 

The author's first recollection of its occupancy was by the 
first Thespian Society, in 1823 and 1824. Prominent among 
the members, and playing the leading characters, were George 
Beale, Richard Biddle, Magnus M. Murray, Matthew Magee, 
Morgan Neville, Charles Shaler, James B. Butler, Duncan 
Walker, Alexander Breckenridge, Sidney Mountain, Alexander 
Johnston, jun., William Wilkins, Benjamin Evans, R. B. Barker, 
T. B. Dallas, J. S. Craft. 

The object and aim of these gentlemen was to create a fund 
for the relief of the suffering poor. Many hearts were made 



THE OLD THIRD-STREET THEATRE. I05 

glad by these truly philanthropic efforts, so quietly executed 
that the recipients were entirely ignorant of the source from 
whence it came. At the close and disbandment of the society, 
Messrs. Pelby and Jones became the lessees. Edwin Forrest 
was a member of this company, and made his first appearance 
in genteel comedy ; also the beautiful and accomplished Miss 
Riddle, in the role of leading lady. 

Messrs. Collins and Jones succeeded the above, with Mrs. 
Entwistle playing the character of leading lady. Then fol- 
lowed the Drakes, Samuel and Alexander, who were succeeded 
by the renowned Sol Smith. Poor Sol's efforts proved unsuc- 
cessful in a financial point of view. His creditors not appre- 
ciating the situation of affairs, he was compelled to beat an in- 
glorious retreat. 

The gentlemanly N. M. Ludlow next assumed the manage- 
ment, with a very strong company, himself one of the ablest 
genteel comedians of that day, and quite a favorite with the 
patrons of the drama : he introduced the amiable, beautiful, 
and accomplished artiste, Mrs. Ball, who subsequently became 
the wife of one of our most esteemed citizens, at which time 
she retired from the stage. 

Mr. Fuller succeeded Mr. Ludlow with a very respect- 
able stock-company, under whose management considerable 
changes and improvements were effected in scenery, decora- 
tions, etc. Many new scenes were added, and the whole ap- 
pearance changed for the better. The latter, after a brief 
but unsuccessful season, sold out to the Thespian Society, 
composed of the following amateurs : Richard Agnew, J. R. 
McClintock, William Mountain, W. W. Peters, Charles Den- 
nison, William C. Chaplin, John C. Mowry, H. N. Barker, 
S. Brunot, M. B. Miltenberger, B. J. Wallace, J. J. Marks, 
Alfred Marks, Alfred Cochran, Lewis Peters, George Holmes, 
Thomas Collins, Peter Freeby, John E. Parke, and William 
Goff. The latter was a member of Mr. Fuller's company, 
and remained in Pittsburg with a view of making it his 
home. As a musical director, his talent and services were 
highly appreciated. His harp, however, has long since been 
"hung upon the willows;" and in the dreams of the past. 



I06 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

his pupils now living hear its strings sounding their old-time 
melodies. 

The above amateurs purchased from Mr. Fuller his entire 
scenery, etc., at a cost of seven hundred dollars, and opened 
with the play of " Who wants a Gui-nea .'' " with marked success, 
except the unfortunate rendition of the character of the irascible 
Sir Jonathan Oldskirt, by Mr. Freeby, who was inflexible in 
sticking to the " text," and v/ho, upon completing a passionate 
peroration, turned to the audience, exclaiming as he retired, in 
the words of the parenthesis, " (Exit Sir Jonathan Oldskirt in a 
rage.)" This new rendition of the character proved too much 
for an appreciative audience, as well as for poor Freeby, who 
finally retired on this vociferous though doubtful evidence of 
the popular applause. It was his first and last appearance be- ' 
hind the foot-lights. 

Shortly after the opening, Mrs. Tatnall, and her young and 
beautiful pupil. Miss Carpenter, arrived in the city on a profes- 
sional tour to the South, and were delayed here on account of 
bad roads, and the suspension of navigation by ice. At their 
request, they were engaged to perform in conjunction with 
the company during their stay in the city. Mrs. Tatnall 
was celebrated as a melo-dramatic artiste. Her talent as a 
vocalist was of sufficient culture to insure a popular reception 
to the rollicking play of "Tom and Jerry; or, High Life in 
London," infusing into it a spirit of "fun, fashion, and frolic," 
which was promptly and gallantly sustained by her amateur 
assistants. 

During the season the following pieces were performed : 
viz., "Who wants a Guinea.-*" "Tekeli; or, The Siege of 
Montgats," " Tom and Jerry ; or. High Life in London," 
" Heir-at-Law," "Who's the Dupe.?" "Floating Beacon," 
"Spoiled Child," "Adopted Child," "Day after the Wed- 
ding," "American Captive," "Four Gentlemen," and "The 
Devil upon Two Sticks." 

Many of the members of the company were students of 
the Western University, and the whole thing was suddenly 
brought to a full stop by the faculty taking the matter in 
hand. 



THE OLD THIRD-STREET THEATRE. 10/ 

For over six months the amateurs worshipped at the shrine 
of Thespis, until parental remonstrance, long-neglected studies, 
and determined opposition of teachers, recalled them to duty : 
then Old Drury closed forever, its amateur players bearing with 
them such fruits as their conduct and purpose merit. 

From personal regard for the members of the company, 
Magnus M. Murray, who was then chief magistrate of the city, 
cheerfully assumed the censorship and direction ; and to his 
counsel they were eminently indebted. He was beloved for 
his cheerful and friendly disposition ; prompt in reproving 
wrong, he was equally so in awarding praise where it was due ; 
in short, he proved himself efficient, and was acknowledged by 
his proteges in loco parentis. Financially the venture proved 
a failure. The debt incurred by the purchase of the scenery 
was for a long period an incubus on the members, until finally 
liquidated. Had the ticket-agent and door-keepers proved faith- 
ful, the debts could have been paid without difficulty. The net 
proceeds were intended for charitable purposes. The only case 
in which the receipts exceeded the expenditures, was on the 
occasion of the play of "Tom and Jerry ; or, High Life in Lon- 
don," for the benefit of the Greeks after the fall of Missolonghi, 
on which occasion the amount realized was transmitted to the 
treasurer of that fund by our preceptor, Magnus M. Murray. 
With this company closed forever the old Third-street Theatre, 
the premises having been purchased by the late Henry Hold- 
ship, who immediately demolished the building, and confiscated 
the property of the society. 

The entire lot extending from Third to Fourth Street is now 
occupied by the " Dollar Bank." It was incorporated by Act 
of the State Legislature approved April 27, A.D. 1855, as the 
" Pittsburg Dollar Savings Institution." The name, however, 
was subsequently changed to the present one. 

This magnificent bliilding was erected in 1870, and occupied 
in the following year. To the genius and indefatigable exer- 
tions of the late Charles A. Colton, treasurer, is justly due the 
credit of its success and prosperous condition. Its principal 
front, on Fourth Street, is a fine specimen of elaborate and com- 
prehensive architecture : the interior is tastefully arranged with 



I08 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

all the appliances necessary for banking operations. The 
Third-street front is approached by a paved court sixty by 
sixty feet, in the centre of which is erected a large water-basin 
and fountain, surmounted by a life-size statue of the mythical 
god of the sea, wielding the trident, the emblem of his power. 



THE FIRST BANK ROBBERY IN PITTSBURG. 109 



THE FIRST BANK ROBBERY IN PITTSBURG. 



As early as the year 181 5, there were only three banks in 
Pittsburg ; viz., the Bank of Pennsylvania, located on the north 
side of Second Avenue, between Chancery Lane and Ferry 
Street ; Bank of Pittsburg, south-west corner of Market and 
Third Streets ; Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, north side of 
Third, between Wood and Market Streets, — the aggregate capi- 
tal amounting to less than two million dollars, which was con- 
sidered abundantly adequate to the business of that period. 
When contrasted with the rapid growth and prosperity of the 
city and vicinity of to-day, the immense banking capital now 
involved, and deemed necessary to carry on its trade and com- 
merce, is simply amazing ; and the fact had scarcely entered 
into the minds of its most sanguine citizen of that early day. 
Among the incidents connected with the history of these banks, 
it may not be considered uninteresting to relate briefly the 
bold but unsuccessful attempt to rob the Bank of Pennsylvania 
by Plymart and Emmons, two of the most daring and expert 
robbers of their day. The cause of the failure was subsequently 
told by Plymart himself on his arrest for the successful rob- 
bery of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank. It was frustrated 
by the simple device of placing over the keyhole a slip of paper, 
the least disturbance of which would render detection inevita- 
ble. 

It must be remembered that this was long before the era of 
combination-locks and the modern improvements ; and the 
expert robber of that day experienced comparatively little 
difficulty in accomplishing his nefarious purposes, compared 
with the present time. To insure success, it was necessary to 



no HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

make two visits to the interior of a bank, the first to take the 
impression of the lock, the second to abstract the treasure. 
Plymart successfully accomplished the first ; but, with all his 
experience and ingenuity, he was completely baflfled by the sim- 
ple device of the slip of paper over the keyhole. By this expe- 
dient the safety of the bank was insured. The subsequent 
bold and successful robbery of the Farmers and Mechanics' 
Bank by these parties was a matter of more notoriety, and 
created intense excitement at the time. Relying upon the 
safet}' of its granite vaults and ponderous locks, the officers had 
failed to adopt those simple expedients so embarrassing to the 
professional burglar ; and thus Plymart was able on his first 
visit to procure a correct impression of the lock, from which 
Emmons (who was an expert mechanic) fashioned a key that 
enabled them to penetrate the vault, and abstract the entire 
moneyed capital of the bank. They were pursued by the offi- 
cers of the bank, and Plymart was arrested. The money, how- 
ever, was only partially recovered. In consequence thereof, the 
bank was compelled to close its doors, and go into liquidation. 
Among the articles stolen, was the gold medal, commemorat- 
ing the battle of the Cowpens, awarded to Gen. Morgan, by a 
grateful country, for his meritorious services during the Revo- 
lutionary war, and special gallantry at the battle of the Cow- 
pens, South Carolina. The medal was recovered from Plymart, 
who was brought to bay on the borders of Lake Erie, at or near 
Cleveland, O., by an offer of some immunity to be granted in 
conveying him to the place of trial. This offer was made 
in order to prevent him from casting it into the lake, which 
he threatened to do. 

On their return to Pittsburg, Plymart proposed to the au- 
thorities of the bank (no legal process having been issued), to 
make a clean breast of it, by telling where the treasure was 
concealed, upon the assurance that he would not be prosecuted. 
With this view, the matter was arranged. In company with 
Plymart, and under his direction, the officers of the bank pro- 
ceeded to a point on the north bank of the Ohio River, a few 
miles below Beaver. Before, however, pointing out the spot 
where the treasure was concealed, he wished it to be under- 



THE FIRST BANK ROBBERY IN PITTSBURG. 1 1 1 

stood, that, as far as he was concerned, they would find the 
amount intact. What his confederate, Emmons, had done in 
the mean time, he could not say, — as they had separated at the 
time, — and was unwilling to be held responsible therefor. With 
this additional understanding, he directed operations, the result 
of which proved his faithfulness in this particular, and the 
recovery of a large portion of the money stolen. Matters hav- 
ing thus been satisfactorily adjusted, he was permitted to 
depart. If my memory serves me right, he was subsequently 
arrested on a similar charge, tried, convicted, and sentenced to 
the State Prison, and was pardoned out before the expiration 
of the time of sentence. What ultimately became of him and 
his partner Emmons, I am unable to say. Shortly before the 
event of the robbery, an incident occurred, in reference to this 
medal, that made an impression on my memory which the lapse 
of over sixty years has failed to obliterate. My grandfather, 
Robert Magee, had occasion to send me to the bank for change 
for a note. Morgan Neville, then an officer, — whether cashier 
or teller, I cannot now determine, — in handing me the change, 
in a joke, included the medal. I confess I failed to see it in that 
light at the time : before leaving, howler, and still pondering 
on the novelty of the thing, without arriving at a satisfactory 
conclusion, I forthwith determined to return it, and in lieu 
thereof insist upon receiving change of a more comprehensive 
kind. 



112 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



PAPER FOR THE SOCIETY OF OLD RESIDENTS. 



"The Society of Old Residents" is the one for which this 
paper was prepared : — 

Mr, President, and Members of the Association, 

The committee to whom was referred the subject-matter of 
the late base attempt to assassinate the chief magistrate of the 
nation, have instructed me to submit for your consideration 
the following preamble and resolutions, expressive of the sense 
of this association. 

Since the last meeting of the association, an event has oc- 
curred, painful and startling in its nature. Again has a chief 
masristrate of the nati«n become the victim of the assassin's 
bullet. 

Shocking events, like shocking crimes, are too rare to disci- 
pline the heart to ponder over the distressing details with ordi- 
nary emotion. 

The memory of the tragical death of the good and faithful 
" Lincoln " is still green in our hearts ; and we are again called 
upon to mourn a similar attempt to destroy the life of our pres- 
ent honored chief magistrate, James A. Garfield. 

Although the consequence of the act has not proved imme- 
diate in its effects, yet the nature of the wound received is of 
such as to create grave doubts of a favorable termination. 
Alternate hope and fear still agitate the national heart ; and if 
he is again permitted, by a wise and merciful Providence, to 
assume the duties of every-day life, his physical powers and 
thorough temperate habits may be considered essential factors 
in bringing about a result so desirable and important to his 
friends and the nation at large. 



PAPER FOR THE SOCIETY OF OLD RESIDENTS. II3 

Our most enlarged sympathies are insufficient to mitigate the 
terrible sufferings of the victim, or soothe the anguish of the 
family and friends. The cruel event passes before us as a 
mighty vision, making us feel the poverty of language, and weak- 
ness of eloquence, when startling realities and sudden calamities 
which have overtaken us, are to be described. 

In all the relations of life, whether in Church or State, Presi- 
dent Garfield has proved himself a citizen of rare ability, reli- 
giously discharging the duties and trusts committed to his care. 
Wise in his counsel, firm in his friendship, as a Christian, hus- 
band, parent, and friend, he possesses the best of all records, — 
an untarnished reputation and an honored name. 

Be it therefore 

Resolved, That the members of this association, individually 
and collectively, express our utter detestation of an act so atro- 
cious, and that we extend to our suffering President and family 
the assurance of our heartfelt sympathy in their sad affliction, 
and sincerely trust that Providence will restore him to health, 
family, and friends. 

Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be 
engrossed upon our minutes, and a copy of the same be trans- 
mitted to the President and family, through the Hon. James G. 
Blaine, Secretary of State, with the hope that they may prove 
acceptable memorials of our profound sympathy. 



114 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



SANITARY FAIR. 



No. 50 Stockton Avenue, Allegheny, 
April 5, 1881, 
Hon. John E. Parke. 

Dear Sir, — I hope my delay in answering your request for a copy of 
the final report of the Executive Committee of the Sanitary Fair, has not 
caused you any serious inconvenience in the purpose for which you desired 
it, and that I may be excused. I now send you a copy. 

In the early part of March, 1864, the Pittsburg and Allegheny branch of 
the Sanitary Commission, having exhausted its funds for the relief of the 
sick and wounded soldiers, decided to hold a Sanitary Fair. A committee 
was appointed to take the work in hand. There being no suitable buildings 
in the city, it was decided to erect such as were required ; and, after exam- 
ination of the various sites proposed, it was found that the public square in 
Allegheny was the only convenient place which would afford room enough 
for their erection. 

A scarcity of materials in the city was the next obstacle encountered ; 
and, withal, there was no money on hand to begin the proposed extensive 
operations. 

A Sanitary Fair was just closing its work at Cleveland ; and Messrs. C. 
W. Batchelor, James Park, jr., and John W. Chalfaut, were appointed a 
sub-committee to proceed to Cleveland, with authority to purchase such of 
the temporary buildings there erected as should be deemed suitable for our 
purpose, and the lumber necessary for the additional buildings, and arrange 
for their transportation to Allegheny. The purchase was made, the com- 
mittee giving their individual note for about ten thousand dollars, at short 
time, for the payment ; and on the 29th of March,. the Executive Committee 
issued an address to the public, which appointed June ist as the day upon 
which the Fair should be opened. 

The Cleveland buildings were too small, and too few, for our require- 
ments ; and the following are the dimensions of those which were erected 
in the Allegheny Public Square : — 



SANITARY FAIR. 



115 



Mechanics' Hall 
Audience Hall 
Monitor Building 
Floral Hall 
Bazaar 
Dining-Hall 



192 feet long, by 51 feet wide. 
186 " " " 93 " 
150 " " " 50 " 
160 " " " So " 
180 " " " 93 " 
180 " " " 51 " 



Covering an aggregate of 73,200 square feet of space. 

In addition to this, the entire upper floor of the new City Hall, which had 
been generously granted for the purpose by the Allegheny councils, was 
occupied by the " Art Gallery " and the " Old Curiosity Shop ; " and there 
were extensive buildings for the exhibition of fine live-stock. 

For a description of the opening on the ist of June, and of the details in 
regard to the contents of the Fair-buildings, I must refer you to the files of 
the city papers of that date. 

As will be seen from the final report, the total receipts of the Sanitary 
Fair amounted to $363,370.09. 

Net receipts paid over to the Pittsburg Sanitary Committee, by the Execu- 
tive Committee of the Fair, $319,217.98. 

Happily, the Executive Committee, before the opening of the Fair, 
anticipating the possible closing of the war before all the funds to be 
raised should be used, made a proviso whereby the remainder could be 
applied to some other benevolent purpose in Allegheny County. This 
remainder proved to be even larger than was anticipated, and it now con- 
stitutes the endowment fund of the medical and surgical branch of the 
Western Pennsylvania Hospital. It amounts to two hundred thousand 
dollars, and the interest is used in ministrations for the relief of human 
suffering. 

Presuming that I have furnished the information for which you asked 
me, but quite willing to respond further, if in my power, to any wishes you 
may indicate to me, 

I am very respectfully and truly yours, 

FELIX R. BRUNOT. 



To THE Contributors and Promoters of the Pittsburg Sanitary 
Fair. 

The Executive Committee of the Pittsburg Sanitary Fair present the 
following summary of the result of your effort in behalf of the sick and 
wounded soldiers of the Union Army : — 

Cash received by N. Holmes, treasurer, from all sources . $361,516 17 
Goods and cash handed over to Thomas Bakewell, Esq., 
president of the Pittsburg Sanitary Committee, which did 
not pass through the hands of the treasurer . . . 2,053 9^ 

Total receipts from all sources ..... $363,570 09 



ii6 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



Net amount paid to Thomas Bakewell,.Esq., president of the 

Pittsburg Sanitary Committee ^319,217 98 

Monument Fund 3,000 00 

Paid N. Holmes, treasurer, sums received for lumber, gas- 
fixtures, etc. 8,272 32 

Expenses of the Fair 33>079 79 

Total ^363.570 09 

[Copy.] 

Received of Felix R. Brunot, chairman of the Executive Committee of 

the Pittsburg Sanitary Fair, $319,217.98, as per several receipts given, of 

which this is a duplicate engrossment. 

THOS. BAKEWELL, 

President of Pittsburg Sanitary Committee. 
Pittsburg, April 8, 1S65. 

[Copy.] 

The undersigned committee, appointed to audit the accounts of the 
Pittsburg Sanitary Fair, hereby certify that the vouchers in the hands of 
the secretary and treasurer exactly correspond with the disbursements as 
exhibited in the condensed statement, and they cordially commend the neat 
and accurate manner in which the accounts appear to have been kept. 

GEO. T. VANDOREN, Chairman. 
I. R. McCUNE, 
WM. ROSEBURGH, 
JOHN MAGOFFIN, 

Committee. 
Pittsburg, March 27, 1865. 

Pittsburg may be justly proud of the result of the Fair; for relatively to 
the population involved, and the restricted area from which the revenues 
of the Fair were derived, it places her far in the lead of all the patriotic 
cities of the Union which have made similar efforts. 

Taking the census of 1860 as the basis for calculation, and including 
the population of Pittsburg, Allegheny City, Manchester, Lawrenceville, 
Birmingham, and the other boroughs, the net proceeds show an average of 
three dollars and forty-seven cents for every' man, woman, and child. 

The annexed table is given as interesting matter of record : — 

Net proceeds Average to 
of Fairs. Population. 

St. Louis $554,591 00 $3 44 

New York 1,184,000 co i 47 

Brooklyn 400,000 00 i 50 

Philadelphia 1,035,378 96 i 83 

Cleveland 78,551 ZZ ^ ^^ 

Cincinnati 235,405 35 i 46 

Pittsburg 322,217 98 3 47 



SANITARY FAIR. 1 1 7 



The total money contributions amounted to 
Of this sum, Venango County sent 

Lawrence County 

All other counties of Western Pennsylvania 
Places outside the limits of Western Pennsylvania 



$202,156 00 

iS,555 70 
8,144 16 

13,761 14 
4,719 00 



The only considerable contribution from any one locality outside of 
Western Pennsylvania, vi^as that of Chicago, which, in cash and goods, was 
about six thousand dollars. 

Among the many trades and professions contributing in kind, it may not 
be considered invidious to mention the newspaper press. The reporters 
rendered invaluable aid in time and labor ; and the proprietors, besides 
making generous donations, spared no pains in contributing to the success- 
ful result. 

In regard to the expenses of the Fair, it is deemed proper to state dis- 
tinctly, that no officer of the Fair, member of the Executive Committee, or 
of any other committee, received any salary, pay, or allowance whatever. 
Dr. William D. McGowan and Mr. B. F. Brown, the efficient acting secre- 
tary and assistant, were entitled to salary for four months of active labor. 
They received only a sum sufficient to cover their expenses, thus placing 
themselves among the most liberal contributors. 

In closing our official duty, in connection with the Pittsburg Sanitary 
Fair, the members of the Executive Committee desire to express their 
obligations to the many generous hearts and busy hands which have co-op- 
erated with them, and especially to the ladies, without whom there could 
have been no such magnificent result. For ourselves, and in behalf of the 
thousands of our country's defenders, who have reaped, and are continuing 
to reap, the benefits of their generous labors, we offer to them all our grate- 
ful thanks. 

FELIX R. BRUNOT, Chairman. 

JAS. PARK, JR., 

JNO. W, CHALFAUT, 

B. F. JONES, 

I. I. BENNETT, 

JAS. O'CONNOR, 

CHAS. W. BATCHELOR, 

M. W. WATSON, 

JOHN WATT, 

W. S. HAVEN, 

JNO. H. SHOENBERGER, 

THOS. M. HOWE, 

Executive Committee, 



Il8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



FERRIES. 



The following is a paper in full read by Hon. John E. 
Parke before the Old Residenters' Association on the subject 
of " Ancient and Modern Ferries on the Ohio, Monongahela, 
and Allegheny Rivers : " — 

Mr. President, — From my own recollections, and informa- 
tion derived from others whose age and experience qualify 
them to impart the same, I have carefully prepared the follow- 
ing statement of facts in relation to the ancient and modern 
ferries that have from time to time been established over the 
Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers in the immediate 
vicinity of Pittsburg and Allegheny ; and it is offered here for 
the purpose of inviting criticism, in order that the errors, if any, 
in the memoirs, may be corrected. 

About the beginning of the present century, a ferry, oper- 
ated by hand, was established by West Elliott, on the Ohio 
River, from the mouth of Ferry Lane, North Side, from which 
the lane derived the name, to a point on the South Side, imme- 
diately opposite. 

At this point, the great buffalo trails from the South-East to 
the feeding-grounds on the North-western plains connect, 
over which the various Indian tribes roamed to and fro in their 
periodical visits, in order to concoct and perfect their nefari- 
ous schemes to crush out their indomitable Anglo-Saxon foe. 
This undertaking, not proving profitable, was, after a short 
experience, abandoned. 

In 1832 Mr. Nolan established a ferry at the points above 
referred to, operated by a wire rope, and buoys to support 
the same. It proving detrimental to the free navigation of the 



FERRIES. IIC) 

river, and dangerous to those operating it, it was also subse- 
quently abandoned. 

Capt. Valentine Shorts succeeded Mr. Nolan, and operated 
the ferry by horse-power for a number of years quite success- 
fully. In the mean time Capt. Stoops established a steam- 
ferry above from the mouth of Chartiers Street to a point on 
the South Side above the mouth of Saw-mill Run. Capt. 
Stoops subsequently sold his entire interest to Messrs. Lea & 
Holmes, they to William McKee, who applied for and obtained a 
charter from the Legislature to operate the same, one of the 
provisions of which was that the said William McKee and his 
successors were not to interfere with the running of the ferry 
below, except in the legitimate competition for the travel across 
the river. Johnston Brothers succeeded William McKee. 
Then Capt. William M. Clancy became the purchaser, and 
established the first side-wheeler. Capt. Claney disposed of 
his interest to Messrs. Krepps Brothers & Force ; this firm was 
subsequently dissolved, Capt. Jerry Force purchasing the inter- 
est of his partners, who, after operating the ferry for a short 
period, sold out to Capt. William J. Kountz, the present owner. 
The foregoing are by no means the first ferries established 
on the North Side, although they are the first established over 
the Ohio River at the points designated. 

As early as 1786, Col. William Butler was granted, by Act 
of the State Legislature {vide Colonial Record., vol. xv. p. 
42), the right to establish a ferry on the Allegheny River, from 
a point on the Pittsburg side to a point opposite, to where the 
line of Bank Lane would strike the Allegheny at what is now 
the mouth of School Street. 

The nature of the ground at this point was deemed altogether 
unsuitable for a landing ; and representation having been made 
to the authorities to that effect, on consideration thereof, it 
was ordered and decreed by the Supreme Executive Council, 
that the " said grantee be authorized and empowered to estab- 
lish a landing, and erect a ferry-house, upon such other part 
of the 'Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg' as will best pro- 
mote the convenience of the public and the intentions of the' 
Legislature as set forth in the Act granting the same. He 



I20 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

is also permitted to occupy such land as has been improved 
and hitherto cultivated by James Boggs, deceased, for which 
privilege he shall exercise a supervisory care, so as to prevent 
the undue destruction of the timber of the Reserve Tract 
above referred to." 

In pursuance of the authority given, the ferry was estab- 
lished at the mouth of St. Clair (now Sixth Street) to the 
mouth of Federal Street directly opposite. 

Col. Butler, it seems, disposed of his interest to Robert 
Knox and John Morrison ; the former conducting affairs on the 
Pittsburg side, and the latter on the Allegheny side. They 
were succeeded by Robert Stewart and Mr. Battrocks. Mr. 
Cassily succeeded the latter. Under Messrs. Stewart & 
Cassily the ferry was carried on until the completion of the 
Allegheny Bridge in 1820. 

There was also an ancient ferry established from a point a 
short distance below the railroad viaduct, Allegheny, to the 
mouth of Hand Street (now Ninth), Pittsburg. It was carried 
on by Mr. Yerkins, under the management of David Haney, 
an old and experienced water-man, and continued in operation 
until about the year 1830, when it was abandoned. In 1834 
Mr. George A. Kurtz established a wire-rope ferry from the 
mouth of Hancock Street (now Eighth Street), Pittsburg, to a 
point about midway between Sandusky and Anderson Streets, 
Allegheny. The amount of travel not justifying its continu- 
ance, it was abandoned the following year. 

Contemporary with the establishment of the ferries on the 
Allegheny, there was one established on the Monongahela 
opposite the "Point" to the mouth of Liberty Street, by 
Ephraim Jones, in 1779, who operated the same by hand until 
his death, after which his son Thomas carried it on for a num- 
ber of years by the same process ; then by horse, and subse- 
quently by steam power. After the death of the latter, his 
heirs carried on the business until after the close of the late 
war, about 1864, when they sold out to a chartered joint com- 
pany under the name and title of the "Jones Ferry Company." 
The South-side landing was then changed to a point a short 
distance above the mouth of Saw-mill Run. 



FERRIES. 121 

Upon the completion of the " Point Bridge," and in pursu- 
ance of the negotiations entered into by the rival companies, 
and in order to do away with competition for the travel, the 
entire franchises of the "Jones Ferry Company " became vested 
in the "Point Bridge Company," and the ferry abandoned. 

Subsequent to the establishment of the Point Ferry, Jacob 
Beltzhoover commenced one from the mouth of Wood Street 
to a point opposite, called the Upper Ferry, under the manage- 
ment of William Graham, who kept a public house of enter- 
tainment on the north-western corner of Wood and Water 
Streets. This ferry was in operation until the completion of 
the Monongahela Bridge in 1818, which monopolized the travel. 
This, together with the difficulties presented by the sand-bar, 
which, in low water at this point, occupied about one-half of the 
entire width of the river, and which had to be overcome by 
boats on each side, connected by a roadway across the bar, 
caused it to be abandoned. 

Of the above enumerated ferries, only three were chartered ; 
viz., one on the Allegheny, one on the Monongahela, and one 
on the Ohio. 

The perils encountered during storms, floods, floating ice, and 
driftwood by this early mode of transit were of a very serious 
character ; and many who had the temerity to brave the dan- 
gers had abundant reasons to regret it ere they reached the 
desired haven. Some gf the incidents connected with these 
occasions are so deeply impressed upon my memory, that the 
lapse of over sixty years has failed to obliterate them. 

During the fall of 1817 the stone foundations of the piers of 
the Allegheny Bridge were finished to a sufficient height to 
be covered by an ordinary stage of water, and left so until 
the following spring, in order to avoid any damage that might 
occur to the work by floating debris and breaking up of the ice 
in the floods during the winter and spring. 

Early in the month of December of the year above referred 
to, the river was frozen over with a coating of ice about two and 
one-half inches thick. At this time, in company with my elder 
sister, on a visit to our friends in Pittsburg, we took passage on 
the ferry-boat crowded with passengers and horses, it being the 



122 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

intention of the ferry-man to open a passage through the ice to 
the other shore. When about midway over, the ice parted 
from the shores, and commenced breaking up, making a clear 
breach over the low sides of the boat, creating a fearful panic 
among the passengers and horses. 

The massing of the ice in and around the boat rendered our 
situation perilous, and efforts to reach either shore unavailing ; 
and all attempts on the part of our friends to aid us proved a 
failure. Passing the " Point," the rapid current of the Alle- 
gheny carried us to within a short distance of the southern 
shore of the Ohio, which enabled us to make a landing just 
above the mouth of Saw-mill Run. To the experience and 
presence of mind displayed by the ferry-man, David Haney, 
and his comrade, may be attributed the happy termination of 
an adventure which might have, under other circumstances, 
proved fatal to all on board. 

During the summer of 1833, returning from a visit to the 
South Side, I met my military friend. Major Andrew McFar- 
land, arrayed in all the pomp and circumstance of his official 
character as brigade inspector, en route to inspect the troops 
belonging to his brigade. Arriving at the Jones-ferry land- 
ing, we boarded the hook-boat, Johnny Welsh acting in the 
capacity of engineer, pilot, and chief commander. All aboard 
being announced, we started for the opposite shore, full of pas- 
sengers and a large load of hay. The day was clear and calm, 
unportentous of any elementary disturbance. About midway 
of the stream, a sudden violent wind-storm arose, which ren- 
dered the boat unmanageable, and demoralizing to our brave 
commander, who, usually calm and self-possessed, on this occa- 
sion entirely lost his presence of mind. Johnny was a peculiar 
character, mentally weak, but honest and faithful in the dis- 
charge of his duties, peaceful in his habits and disposition. 
Those who knew him best gave him full credit for his integrity 
and goodness of heart. 

The roaring wind, tumultuous waves of the otherwise placid 
Monongahela, and struggling horses, created a scene of terror 
and dismay not easily described. In the emergency. Major 
McFarland seized the tiller, in order, if possible, to control 



FERRIES. 123 

the movements of the vessel. In his laudable effort to ac- 
complish it, he had the misfortune to lose his military hat. 
Finding it out of the question to reach either shore, he directed 
the course of the vessel up the river until it caught on one 
of the piers of the bridge. Here we remained until the storm 
abated, when we commenced working our way to the landing 
at Liberty Street, where we arrived without serious damages. 

Upon leaving the boat, the major, after giving vent to a deep 
sigh, remarked in his peculiar manner, " that a load of hay was 
an awful thing in a high wind." 



124 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



BRIDGES. 



THE ALLEGHENY BRIDGE. 

The building of this bridge was commenced in 1818. It 
was constructed on the arch principle, from the mouth of St. 
Clair Street, Pittsburg, to the mouth of Federal Street, Alle- 
gheny. It was opened for travel, Feb. 20, 1820. 

The first charter obtained was granted by the Legislature, 
March 20, 1810 : this was suffered to lapse. On application, a 
new charter was granted, Feb, 17, 18 16, and approved by the 
governor. May 31, 18 16. 

July 8, 1 8 16, the company was organized with the following 
officers: — 

William Robinson, Jun., President. 

directors. 

James Adams. John Darragh. 

James Anderson. Hugh Davis. 

Abner Barker. Ebenezer Denny. 

Robert Campbell. William Hays. 

Thomas Cromwell. George Foe, Jun. 

A. Zeigler, 

Cost of construction, $80,000. 

May 7, 1857, a supplement to the charter was obtained, au- 
thorizing the demolition of the old wooden structure and the 
erection of the present one. It was completed and opened to 
the public in i860. The two centre spans are each three hun- 
dred and fifty feet in length, with shorter spans at each end, the 
whole intended to form a graceful arch from bank to bank. It 
is the first iron suspension bridge erected over a navigable 
stream in the United States, and is admitted by experts to be 
the most important work in the country. As long as it endures, 



BRIDGES. 125 

it will be a monument to the genius and engineering skill of its 
contractor, the late John A. Roebling. 

It cost $250,000. 

The State of Pennsylvania owned $40,000 of stock in the 
first structure, which was disposed of in 1843, the par value 
being $25 per share : at the sale the stock realized over $30 
per share. 

PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY BRIDGE. 

This bridge, erected from the mouth of Hand Street (now 
Ninth Street), Pittsburg, to the mouth of Cedar Street (now 
Anderson Street), Allegheny, was contracted for in January, 
1837, to be completed Oct. i, 1838. (Act of incorporation was 
passed by the Legislature at the session of 1836, and approved 
by the governor, June 26, 1836.) It was completed and opened 
for travel in 1839. It is constructed on the arch principle, 
the whole forming one graceful arch from bank to bank. 

On the roof a promenade was constructed, which in pleasant 
weather was quite a fashionable resort, until it became prosti- 
tuted to base purposes, and had to be abandoned. The entire 
structure was thoroughly examined and repaired, at a cost of 
over $30,000, by contractor Daniel McCain. 

The original contractors for constructing the bridge were, — 

William La Barron, Wood-work. 
Pagan & Allston, Stone-work. 
Sylvanus Lothrop, Architect. 

The first officers elected under the charter were, — 

John Tassey, President. 
DIRECTORS. 

William Larimer, Jun. Charles Avery. 

Richard Gray. Robert Galway. 

Sylvanus Lothrop. F. G. Baily. 

William Robinson. George Ogden. 

Malcom Leech. John Grier. 

Alexander Breckenridge, Treasurer. 
William Fitzsimons, Secretary. 

Note. — The promenade above referred to was at one time the objec- 
tive point of a ludicrous practical joke perpetrated on the citizens of both 
cities. About the year 1852, handbills were prominently posted over the 



126 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

cities, to the effect that a man would, on a certain day, fly from the roof of 
the Hand-street Bridge, and pass over the Suspension Bridge to the south 
side. Long before the hour had arrived for the performance, the shore on 
each side of the river, and the Suspension Bridge, were densely crowded, and 
every available water-craft was brought into requisition to view the novel 
sight of a man flying. Promptly at the hour indicated, the practical jokers 
made their appearance on the roof of the bridge, bearing a mysterious-look- 
ing green bag. Then the roar of the multitude commenced, and ended as 
the bag was opened, giving flight to a large gray goose. Thus ended the 
farce; and not one in all that vast crowd was willing to admit the next day 
that he was there, although there must have been at least twenty thousand 
people present. 

MECHANIC-STREET BRIDCE. 

This bridge was cliarted in 1836, and erected the following 
year, from the mouth of Mechanic Street, now Sixteenth Street, 
Pittsburg, to the mouth of Chestnut Street, Allegheny, and 
opened for public travel in 1837. It was destroyed by fire, Jan. 
26, 1 85 1, and rebuilt the same year. Total loss, 1^75,000, on 
which there was an insurance of ;^20,ooo. 

The first officers elected under the charter: — 

F. LoRENZ, President, 

managers. 
John Shoenberger. Samuel McKelvy. 

William Wade. John Keown. 

N. VOIGHTLY. SyLVANUS LoTHROP. 

Jacob Painter. • 

G. E. Warner, Treasurer. 
Walter H. Lowrie, Secretary. 

contractors. 

J. K. Moorhead, E. Oles, Wood-work. 
William Pagan & Co., Stone-work. » 

THE SHARPSBURG BRIDGE. 

The Sharpsburg Bridge was erected in 1856; destroyed by 
fire in 1864, and rebuilt the following year. In 1870 it was 
again destroyed by fire, and rebuilt in 1871. 



BRIDGES. 127 



THE UNION BRIDGE. 

The Union Bridge, erected from the Point, Pittsburg, to the 
mouth of Grant Avenue, Allegheny, is constructed of wood, 
on the arch principle, and is considered one of the finest struc- 
tures of the kind erected in this vicinity. Its erection was 
commenced in 1874, and it was completed and opened for 
travel in the following year. Cost, $300,000. 

THE POINT BRIDGE. 

The Point Bridge, over the Monongahela, from the junction 
of Water Street and Duquesne Way, Pittsburg, to Carson 
Street, S. S., is a magnificent structure composed of iron, built 
at a sufficient elevation so as not to interfere with the free 
navigation of the river. It was built in 1876, and cost 
$500,000. 

MONONGAHELA BRIDGE. 

This bridge has an eventful history. It was chartered by 
the Legislature in 1810, and a re-issue of charter was made in 
18 1 6. In pursuance of the provisions of the charter, the 
bridge was erected on the arch principle. It was completed and 
opened for public travel from the mouth of Smithford Street, 
Pittsburg, to Carson Street, S. S., Dec. 31, 1818. In January, 
183 1, the first pier on the Pittsburg side gave way, and precipi- 
tated the first span into the river : it was promptly repaired, and 
re-opened for travel Sept. 18, 1831. Cost, $61,000. 

It was completely destroyed in the great fire of the loth of 
April, 1845, and was replaced by a wire suspension bridge, 
under the direction of Mr. John A. Roebling, the builder of 
the great East-river Bridge, connecting the cities of New 
York and Brooklyn. This Pittsburg work was Mr. Roebling's 
first road-bridge. In the course of time it became very shaky 
and loose, and its continuous swaying and creaking convinced 
every one that it was becoming unsafe for travel. In the sum- 
mer of 1880 it was decided to build a new one in its place. 
After a good deal of discussion as to the kind of bridge that 



128 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

should be built, Mr. G. Lindenthal, the well-known engineer, 
was invited to prepare plans for a bridge that would not be 
subject to undulations, and would be capable of enduring the 
constantly increasing traffic without limitation of load or speed. 
His plans were accepted, and in 1881 the work was commenced. 

The new structure being elevated twenty feet above the old, 
the work was carried on and completed in August, 1883, with- 
out interfering with travel. The bridge is of the kind known 
as the Pauli truss. It rests on seven stone piers, and has two 
cast-iron towers 160 feet high, very massive and elaborately 
ornamented. The full length of the bridge is 1,221 feet. The 
two main spans are each 360 feet : the north approach is 320 
feet from Water Street to the first large span, ancj from the 
toll-house to the span 208 feet. On the south end the distance 
from the toll-house to the first large span is 290 feet, and from 
Carson Street 5 1 5 feet. From the roadway of the centre span 
to the river at low water it is a distance of 61.08 feet, and from 
the under side of the floor 57.08 feet. The old bridge left only 
36.03 feet clear between the water and its lower side. 

The roadway at present is 22 feet 10 inches wide in the clear, 
and the two sidewalks are each 10 feet in the clear. The full 
width of the bridge on the deck-span approaches is 43 feet 6 
inches, and on the channel-spans, which are through spans, 48 
feet. The bridge can be widened out, should it ever prove 
necessary, to 64 feet. The use of steel instead of iron wher- 
ever possible, was based on the grounds of economy as much 
as any thing, especially in the trusses, ^21,600 being saved by 
taking that course. The flooring of the roadway and sidewalk 
is preserved wood ; viz., gumwood and white pine, submitted to 
the zinc tannin process. The ornamental cast-iron towers are 
roofed with wrought-iron. 

The masonry of the piers and approaches consists of a gray, 
hard, durable sandstone, free from admixture of clay or iron oxide 
particles. The dimensions of the stones used are from 24 to 
16 inches in thickness, 7 to 4 feet in length, and from 3 to if 
feet in width, with beds and joints dressed regularly and true. 
The quantities of material used in the construction of the 
bridge were as follows : For foundations — lumber, 594,000 feet, 



BRIDGES. 129 

board-measure ; piles, 10,800 lineal feet ; concrete, 1,280 cubic 
yards ; iron, 322 tons ; stone-masonry. 10,500 cubic yards. For 
superstructure — iron, 1,070 tons; steel, 740 tons; cast-iron of 
towers, pedestals, etc., 196 tons ; preserved lumber for floor, 
358,000 feet, board-measure; steel rails, 134 tons. For ap- 
proaches — filling, 10,000 cubic yards; sidewalk pavements, 
1,400 square yards ; street pavements, 2,200 square yards. The 
total cost of the bridge is ^458,000. 

Note. — The last bridge was completed after the death of Judge Parke, 
and the above description was copied by the editor from one of the city 
papers. 



no 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



FLOODS. 



Height of the periodical floods in the Ohio, Monongahela, 
and Allegheny Rivers, above low-water mark, at Pittsburg, 
Penn,, since the occurrence of the Pumpkin Flood in 1810. 



1806. 
1810. 
1813. 
1816. 
1832. 
1840. 

1847. 
1851. 
1852. 
1858. 
i860. 
1 861. 

1862. 

(( 

1863. 
1864. 
1865. 



1866. 
1867. 

1868. 
« 











FEET. 1 


April 10 33.9 


November 10 . 






32 


January . . . 






29 


February . . 








33 


" 10 . 








35 


" I . 








26.9 


" I 








. 26 


September 20 








30.9 


April 19 . 








31-9 










26 


April 12 . . 








29.7 


September 29 








30.9^ 


January 20 








. 28.7 


April 22 








25.4 


January 16. 








16 


" 17 . 








. 18.6 


March 4 . 








. 24.6 


" 18 . 








■ 314 


April I . . 








. 21.6 


May 12 . . 








. 21.6 


February 25 








. 14.7 


" 15 . 








22 


March 13 . 








. 22.6 


" 18 . 








22 


April 15 . 








. 20.6 













FEET. 


1869. 


March 31 19.6 


1870. 


January 19 








18 


1871. 


" 15. 








19 


1872. 


April II . . 








20.6 


1873- 


December 14 . 








25.6 


1874. 


January 8 . . 








22.4 


1875. 


August 3 . . 








25 


(( 


December 28 








21.6 


1876. 


September 19 








26 


1877. 


January 17 








25 


1878. 


December ii 








24.6 


1879. 


March 19 . 








20 


1S80. 


February 14 








22 


1881. 


" II 








. 25 


<( 


June 10 . . 








28 


1882. 


January 28 








22 


(( 


February 22 








22 


1883. 


5 








. 26 


(( 


8 








. 28 


<( 


" II 








21 


u 


17 








21 


1884. 


<' I 








21 


u 


7* 








• 34.6 



* Some marks indicate eight inches more. 



INSTITUTIONS. 



TRADESMEN'S INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE. 133 



TRADESMEN'S INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE. 



It was in November, 1874, that the project of establishing in 
Pittsburg a permanent exposition of the arts, sciences, and 
industries of Western Pennsylvania began to assume palpable 
shape. For some time previous, there had been desultory 
discussions in ofBces, stores, and other public places, when the 
necessity for such an enterprise had been generally admitted, 
and when the germ of the idea that was afterwards to bear rich 
fruit was gradually evolved. Many of the most prominent 
citizens of Pittsburg and Allegheny interested themselves 
actively in the matter ; and the result was a public meeting, held 
in the Chamber of Commerce in the month above mentioned. 
A number of gentlemen, representing a large amount of wealth 
and influence, were present. Thomas S. Mitchell acted as 
chairman, and J. Vanote as secretary. The following named 
persons were elected directors : Messrs. Thomas S. Mitchell, 
David M. Brush, J, Vanote, James B. Lyon, Henry Lloyd, A. 
J. Nellis, Joshua Rhodes, R. E. Breed, and William G, Johnston. 
A charter had been previously prepared and framed under that 
section of the Wallace Act which provides for corporations 
without profits. The charter was approved at this meeting, 
and subsequently confirmed in open court. It was recorded in 
the recorder's office of Allegheny County. 

Under this charter, Henry Lloyd was chosen president, J. 
Vanote secretary, and Fred A, Parke general manager. In 
the mean time, there had been some changes in the number and 
personnel of the directors of the board. Messrs. A. J. Nellis, 
Thomas S. Mitchell, Columbus Coleman, J. Vanote, James M. 
Johnston, James B. Lyon, Joshua Rhodes, W. G. Johnston, A. 
M. Brown, Henry Lloyd, R. E. Breed, J. H. Walter, and R. M. 
Gilleland finally constituted it. 

Some half a dozen public-spirited gentlemen having pledged 
themselves to contribute fifty thousand dollars, the attention of 
the board was next directed to the matter of securing a site 
for the proposed institute. Several pieces of property were sug- 



134 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

gested as being suitable for the purpose. For various reasons, 
all these locations were rejected. Then it was that Mr. F. A. 
Parke, who had all along taken the deepest and most active 
interest in the project, suggested the neutral or disputed ter- 
ritory known as Smoky or Killbuck Island. The matter was, 
mainly through the instrumentality of Mr. Parke, brought to the 
notice of the city authorities of Allegheny, which ultimately 
resulted in a lease of the ground from the city of Allegheny to 
the Tradesmen's Industrial Institute for and during the term of 
fifteen years free of rent. 

This site having been adopted, the board proceeded vigor- 
ously to prepare for the erection of suitable buildings. Mr, 
E. M. Butz, architect, of Allegheny, was chosen to prepare 
suitable plans and specifications. The contract was awarded 
to Messrs. Frazier Brothers at $49,750. Mr. Lloyd at this 
juncture resigned from the board of directors, and Mr. A. J, 
Nellis was elected president. The supervision of the building 
and other matters connected with the Institute was given in 
charge of an executive committee, consisting of Thomas S. 
Mitchell, chairman, J. Vanote, secretary, A. J. Nellis, Columbus 
Coleman, and James Johnston. 

The building was finished in due course of time, and active 
preparation made for holding an exposition. 

Exhibits were made by most of the prominent merchants 
and manufacturers of both cities, and by many from surround- 
ing points. 

Public interest, however, did not seem to keep pace with the 
hopes of its friends. Complications and financial embarrass- 
ment unfortunately having arisen after the first year's exhibi- 
tion, it was found impossible to obtain the necessary material 
aid to place the enterprise on a permanent basis. 

Owing to a want of proper harmony between the members 
of executive committee themselves, the superintendent resigned. 
This was followed by the temporary appointment of John E. 
Parke, who also resigned for similar cause. Then followed the 
appointment of Charles McKnight as general manager. Why 
the board of managers permitted this state of things to continue 
was a matter of surprise to the friends of the enterprise, and 
unsatisfactory to exhibiters and visitors. 

Mr. William G. Johnston, aided by a few indomitable spirits, 



TRADESMEN'S INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE. .135 

however, with laudable zeal, determined that the public disgrace 
of a failure should not rest upon the twin cities if it could 
possibly be avoided. 

On the 7th of March, 1877, in pursuance of public notice, a 
meeting of the citizens was held, to take into consideration the 
future of the enterprise, resulting in its complete re-organiza- 
tion under the name and style of the Pittsburg Exposition 
Society, with the following officers : to wit, William G. Johnston, 
president ; S. S. Marvin, vice-president ; J. J. Donnell, treasurer ; 
W. C, Smyth, manager ; and F. A. Parke, secretary. 

It was determined to hold an exposition commencing Tues- 
day, Sept. 4, proximo, and closing Saturday, Oct. 6 ; and steps 
were at once taken towards securing and preparing the build- 
ing in Allegheny for that purpose. Articles of agreement 
were entered into with the owners of the building, the same 
having been sold to satisfy heirs, etc. ; and satisfactory arrange- 
ments having been made with all parties in interest, the board 
of managers proceeded at once to put the buildings and 
grounds in complete order. A new roof was put on the main 
building; and every thing accomplished with a view to the com- 
fort and convenience of exhibiters and visitors. The grounds 
were tastefully laid out with flower-beds, gravel-walks, arbors, 
ornaments, etc., mainly under the immediate supervision of 
Mr. F. A. Parke. 

The exhibition opened at the appointed time, and both the 
exhibits and the number of visitors were beyond the expecta- 
tion of the most sanguine friend of the enterprise. In his pub- 
lished report, the president, W. G. Johnston, speaks with praise 
of the efforts of Mr. Smyth. He says of Mr. J. J. Donnell, 
treasurer, and Mr. J. B. Stevenson, cashier, " The earnest and 
intelligent labors of these gentlemen, performed with a due 
regard to system and order, have not hitherto been the subject 
of public notice ; and I fear I should greatly misrepresent their 
wishes should I attempt to bring them any notoriety. It is 
nevertheless due to them to say that the members of the board 
appreciate the services so ably and faithfully rendered by 
them." The following paragraph is quoted from the same offi- 
cial document : " We may here also take occasion to say, that 
whilst the origin of the society is mainly due to the persistent 
and laborious efforts of our secretary, Mr. F. A. Parke, very 



136 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

much also of the success which attended the late exhibition 
was the result of the interest he continually manifested in it. 
Through his exertions, mainly, the funds were obtained which 
were required prior to the opening of the exposition ; and he 
was indefatigable in awakening an interest on the part of man- 
ufacturers in this enterprise, and in securing exhibits." 

In the progress of events, there were various changes in the 
board of managers and executive staff. Mr. F. A. Parke was 
appointed general manager, and subsequently resigned to the 
regret of the patrons generally ; Mr. Ezra P. Young assuming 
the role of general manager, and J. C. Patterson, secretary. 

In view of the fact that the State Agricultural Society had 
determined to hold their annual exhibition in 1882 in Alle- 
gheny County, an arrangement was made with the Society to 
hold a joint exhibition in that year. With this object in view, 
the board of managers proceeded at once to the erection of 
new additional buildings adjoining the main building on the 
west, to be utilized as power-hall and agricultural machinery 
department. 

Upon the completion of the new buildings, a new and pow- 
erful high-pressure engine of one hundred horse-power was 
placed in position for the use of exhibiters of machinery. 

The exposition was continued from year to year with varied 
success until 1883, when, unfortunately, on the night of the 
2d of October, the buildings with their entire contents were 
totally destroyed by fire. 

The loss to the public by the disaster can hardly be esti- 
mated, while the intrinsic value of the material destroyed can 
be put down in round numbers at about three million dollars. 
There were many valuable relics that nothing can replace. 

It was without doubt one of the largest and most destructive 
conflagrations that ever visited the city of Allegheny. 

The officers of the exposition at the time of the fire were D. 
W. C. Carroll, president ; Joseph T. Spear, vice-president ; E. P. 
Young, superintendent ; J. C. Patterson, secretary ; and E. P. 
Haynes, press agent. 

There was a total amount of insurance on buildings and 
machinery of forty thousand dollars. 



WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 



137 



WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 



The history of this institution since its advent in Allegheny- 
is somewhat peculiar, and is deserving of a more than passing 
notice, especially in relation to the occupancy of the common 
ground. 

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the 
United States, having declared their intention of establishing, 
at some point in the West, a theological seminary, similar to the 
one at Princeton, N.J., certain citizens, land-owners in the 
town of Allegheny, sensible of the great advantages that would 
result from the location of such an institution in their midst, 
called a public meeting in the said town of Allegheny, Nov, 
II, 1825, for the consideration of the project. 

After a free interchange of opinions on the subject, a certain 
written instrument was drawn up and executed by the citizens 
there assembled, granting and transferring to the General 
Assembly of the' Presbyterian Church all their right, title, inter- 
est and claim, to the free and entire use to a certain portion of 
the common ground belonging to the said town of Allegheny, 
bounded and described as follows : to wit, — 

" Commencing at the distance of forty feet from the south 
line of the commons, and five perches from the west line; thence 
northerly parallel with said west line forty-five perches nine 
and one-half feet to a post ; thence easterly parallel with the 
south line of said commons sixty-four perches to a post ; thence 
southerly parallel with the west line of commons forty-five 
perches nine and one-half feet to a post, forty feet from the 
south line of the same ; thence westerly parallel with said south 
line sixty-four perches to the place of beginning, containing an 



138 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

area of eighteen acres and thirty-seven perches, hereby granting 
unto the said General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 
the United States, all our right of common for the sole use and 
benefit of the said Western Theological Seminary, provided that 
the same shall be located on the ground indicated, and com- 
menced within four years from the date of this grant, hereby war- 
ranting and defending the premises demised unto the General 
Assembly aforesaid, on the conditions therein stated, against us 
the grantors, our heirs and assigns, forever." In view of the 
above declaration, the Legislature, by the Act of the seventeenth 
day of April, A.D. 1827, and 29th March, 1844, conveyed all the 
right, title, and claim of the Commonwealth in the soil of the 
eighteen acres and thirty-seven perches, and vested the same 
in James Brown, John Hannen, and Hugh Davis, in trust for 
the free use, occupation, and benefit of the Western Theological 
Seminary, to be erected and established under the auspices of 
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the 
United States. 

By means of the foregoing grant, and a generous subscription 
on the part of the citizens, the trustees of the seminary were 
induced — and, it appeared, with some hesitation — to pass over 
other advantageous offers made by citizens of other places, and 
establish the institution in the town of Allegheny, 

Before commencing operations, a committee was employed to 
procure the written consent or release of all then known to pos- 
sess an in-lot in whole or in part within the town, whether resi- 
dent or otherwise. On the ground thus donated, and with the 
assurance that the assent of all who had an interest in the pub- 
lic ground had been obtained, the authorities of the seminary 
commenced, in 1825, the excavation for their building, on the 
crest of the elevation known as "Hogback." The building was 
completed in 1831, at a cost of over twenty-five thousand dollars. 

Two years were spent in making these expenditures, during 
which time no mutterings of discontent were heard, nor were 
the trustees apprised that there were any serious objections 
to the occupancy of the eighteen acres and thirty-seven perches 
of the commons for the purposes designed. 

Now comes the fact, that, after a lapse of years, a suit is 
brought to test the title. 



WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 139 

By the Act of the Legislature approved March 12, A.D. 1783, 
appropriating certain lands for the liquidation of depreciated 
certificates, a certain tract of three thousand acres was reserved 
for the use of the commonwealth, opposite Fort Pitt. By a sub- 
sequent Act, approved the eleventh day of September, A.D. 
1787, the Supreme Executive Council was empowered to have 
laid out and surveyed a town with a competent number of lots 
for the accommodation thereof, and to cause to be laid out and 
surveyed the residue of the said three thousand acres in out-lots 
which should not be less than one acre, nor more than ten acres, 
each. They were also directed to set apart within the town, for 
the use of the State, so much land as they might deem neces- 
sary for a court-house, jail, market-house, etc. ; and without the 
town, one hundred acres for a common pasture. 

In pursuance of the Act, the town of Allegheny was laid out, 
and the lots sold at public auction in the city of Philadelphia : 
every purchaser of an in-lot got an out-lot in connection with 
it. The patent deeds describe the commons as belonging to 
the town. 

■ By this Act, it is clearly defined, that, whilst the State re- 
tained the right of soil, it guaranteed the right of surface to the 
purchasers of the in-lots for a common pasture for cattle, etc., 
and they could not be legally divested of their inherent right of 
surface without their consent. In order to test the question, 
an action was brought in the District Court of Allegheny County 
by Samuel Carr vs. Mary Wallace (the real defendants being 
the Western Theological Seminary), to test the plaintiff's right 
founded upon his claim as an owner of an in-lot in the town. 
After a patient trial of the case, and upon the charge of the 
learned judge who presided, the jury rendered a verdict in favor 
of the defendant. To this charge, plaintiff's counsel excepted, 
and carried the case to the Supreme Court on a writ of error. 

There is no principle better settled, none founded on more 
solid considerations of equity and public utility, than that which 
declares that if any one knowingly suffers another to purchase, 
and lay out money on, land under a mistaken notion of title, 
without making known his claim, he shall not afterwards be 
permitted to exercise his legal right in the premises. " To be 



140 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

silent when in conscience he should have spoken, he shall 
be debarred from speaking when conscience and public policy 
require him to be silent." 

The judgment rendered by the court below was therefore 
affirmed. 

In the matter of the suit brought by the Trustees of the 
Seminary vs. Samuel S. Shields, George R. Kiddle, and others, 
at the November term, 1843, of the District Court of Allegheny 
County, tried Nov. 11, 1844, for trespass, damages to the 
amount of twenty thousand dollars were claimed. 

The syllabus of the case upon which the suit was based, may 
be thus briefly stated. The trustees of the seminary had com- 
menced the excavation for a building on the plain at the base 
of the hill on a portion of the common ground, over which no 
right had been exercised by the plaintiffs, other than claiming 
it as being included in the grant of the 18 acres and 37 perches. 
The defendants resisted the occupancy of the ground, and suc- 
ceeded in filling up the excavation. This action was instituted 
by the trustees to recover damages as above stated. 

The charge of the court was rendered by the late Judge 
Hepburn, before whom the case was tried : it was clear, com- 
prehensive, and exhaustive in every particular, upon which the 
jury rendered their verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. To the 
charge of the court, defendant's counsel took exceptions, and 
at their instance it was written and filed. 

In 1844 the Western Theological Seminary was chartered. 

In view of the complications surrounding the question of 
title, etc., a compromise was effected between the city of Al- 
legheny and the trustees of the seminary on the 20th of 
December, 1850, whereby the latter relinquished to the former, 
by deed dated Dec. 3, 1849, all their right, title, interest, and 
claim to all the property embraced in the original grant, 
except about one acre on the corner of Ridge and Irwin 
Avenues, which was reserved : in consideration thereof, the city 
of Allegheny executed to the trustees a perpetual loan of 
$35,000, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent, payable 
semi-annually. 

On the 24th of January, 1854, the buildings were entirely 



WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 141 

consumed by fire, with a large portion of the valuable library ; 
upon each there was an insurance of ^5,000. 

In 1854 there were two professors' houses erected on the 
ground reserved, at a cost of ;^5, 000 each ; and on the loth of 
January, 1856, the new seminary building was completed, at a 
cost of ;^22,ooo. During this year, there were also two addi- 
tional professors' houses erected, costing $5,000 each. 

Beatty Hall was erected in 1859, ^t a cost of $15,000. In 
1868 it was remodelled, at an expense of $3,586. In 1872 the 
library was erected, costing $25,000. Subsequently, to wit, in 
1878, Beatty Hall was taken down, and Memorial Hall, a 
building much better adapted to the purposes designed, was 
erected on the site ; estimated cost, $25,000. 

The above buildings were erected on the north side of 
Ridge, between Irwin and Grant Avenues, and not on the public 
ground, as by some supposed. 



OCCUPANCY OF THE COMMONS BY THE WESTERN UNIVERSITY 
AND THE WESTERN PENITENTIARY. 

In the case of the Trustees of the Western University of 
Pennsylvania vs. Robinson, and others, tried in the Court of 
Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Sept. term, 1824, the 
same legal questions were involved : the parties, however, were 
entirely different. The Act of the i8th of February, 18 19, 
vested in the trustees of the university the title to forty acres 
of the commons lying between the town and the out-lots, sub- 
ject, however, to the right of pasture, granted by the Act of 
the nth of September, 1787, to the inhabitants of said town. 

This was an action of ejectment, brought for forty acres of 
the common ground. The plaintiff, relying solely upon the 
grant conferred by the Act of the i8th of February, 18 19, made 
but little effort, if any, to obtain the assent or release of * those 
having the right of pasture, etc. 

In view of the manner in which the trustees of the univer- 
sity undertook to locate their grant, the lot-holders, deeming 
it highly injurious to their rights as commoners, resolved to 



142 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

resist the university claim, and thus determine the constitu- 
tionality of the law : upon this, the trustees of the university 
brought suit, as above stated. 

The learned judge, before whom it was tried, charged the 
jury in favor of the defendants, for whom a verdict and judg- 
ment were rendered. 

To this charge, the- plaintiff's counsel excepted, and the case 
was carried to the Supreme Court, who, on a careful review of 
the case, affirmed the judgment of the court below, thus deter- 
mining that the rights of the commoners are unextinguished 
and unextinguishable unless by their own consent. 

The Act of the third day of March, 1818, provides for the 
erection of a State prison, on the principle of solitary confine- 
ment of the convicts, "the same as now is, or may hereafter be, 
established by law ; shall be erected on the public land sur- 
rounding the town of Allegheny ; appropriating sixty thousand 
dollars for that purpose ; and that the select and common 
councils of the city of Pittsburg, at their first stated meeting 
in April next, shall, in joint meeting, appoint five competent 
persons as commissioners, who shall select a suitable site for a 
penitentiary of not less than ten acres of the public ground 
aforesaid, which is hereby appropriated and set apart for that 
Durpose." In pursuance of the Act above quoted, the ground 
was selected, and the foundations commenced. 

Although, as is stated elsewhere, the State possesses the 
right of soil, subject, however, to the right of common, it 
also possesses the inherent power to appropriate to itself for 
public purposes any private property, awarding just compensa- 
tion, on the principle that " no man's property shall be taken 
or applied to public use without his consent, and just and 
equitable compensation being made," etc. Now, in this case, 
it was understood that the commoners were of the opinion that 
the location and erection of the prison, on the site selected, 
was for their interest, without further compensation ; and in 
this aspect of the case, the buildings were erected at a large 
public expense ; and by their silent acquiescence, they are 
bound as much as if they had executed a release. It ap- 
pears there were ten acres selected, six acres of which were 



WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 143 

within the walls, leaving four acres outside of the west wall : 
this was fenced in and appropriated for a burial-ground, and 
pasture-lot, for the use of the prison. The enclosing of the 
four acres without the wall, the citizens objected to, as not 
coming within the meaning of the intention of the grant. 
Meetings of the citizens were frequently called, and council 
importuned in relation thereto, in order, if pc^sible, to remedy 
the same. Committees were appointed by council to confer 
with the inspectors, to induce them to amicably remove the 
cause of offence, without avail. At length the virtue of forbear- 
ance ceased; and on the 9th of May, 1838, the borough coun- 
cil, by resolution, instructed the street-commissioner to remove 
the nuisance within thirty days, dispose of the materials to the 
best advantage, liquidate the expense of the same, and the 
balance, if any remain, pay over to the prison inspectors. The 
proceedings, it appears, were quietly acquiesced in by the 
inspectors. 

By the Act of the i8th of March, 1840, this ground was 
revested in the commoners. By the language of the Act, 
the commoners are highly complimented for their liberality in 
granting to the State their right of common in the public 
ground, for the uses of the State prison ; and, further, that the 
said grant embraced a larger area than now, appears to have 
been necessary for the purpose : and part thereof never hav- 
ing been used for the object of the grant, it was therefore 
ordered and decreed, that so much of the public ground on the 
west side of the prison-walls, as is now, or may not hereafter 
become, necessary for the use of said prison, be reverted and 
restored to its original condition, as a part of the common 
ground. 



144 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



The nucleus around which this noble and home-like institu- 
tion was erected, originated at a meeting held by a few charita- 
ble ladies of the city of Allegheny, at the house of Professor 
Halsey, for the purpose of forming a sewing-society. 

At a subsequent meeting, at the home of Rev. Joseph Stock- 
ton, it was decided, after a free interchange of opinions, to form 
an asylum for orphan children, and to appoint a committee to 
draught a constitution for the government of the same. In order 
to carry out more fully this benevolent object, a meeting was 
held in the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg on the 17th 
of April, 1832, at which a preliminary organization was effected, 
William Robinson, jun., presiding, Ross Wilkins acting as 
secretary. 

After a brief address by the presiding officer, the committee 
on constitution, etc., made their report, which was adopted, and 
a full board of managers and officers elected. 

Application having been made to the Legislature, an Act was 
passed, incorporating " The Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and 
Allegheny," approved March 20, 1834. 

Under this Act, the following managers were appointed : 
viz., — 



Elizabeth F. Denny. 
Mary Robinson. 
Elizabeth Tiernan. 
Marian Young. 
Margaret Bruce. 
Elizabeth P. Halsey. 
Susan K. Wade. 



Anna Halsey. 
Mary B. Holmes. 
Mary Wilkins. 
Margaret George. 
Hannah Higby. 
Mary A. S. Baird. 
Isabella Simpson. 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. 145 

Under the provisions of the Act, every woman contributing, 
and paying into the treasury, the annual sum of one dollar, was 
entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership, so long 
as the contribution should be continued, and upon the payment 
of fifty dollars entitled to the privileges of life-membership. 
The grounds and improvements were exempted from taxation 
so long as the same should be occupied for the object designed. 
The Act also limited the income to eight thousand dollars 
annually. A supplementary Act was passed and approved the 
twelfth day of March, 1866, extending the annual income to 
twenty-five thousand dollars. 

A commencement was made with three inmates in a small 
house rented for the purpose, situated on the bank of the Ohio 
river, under the care of Mrs. McKee as matron, and her 
daughter as teacher. The maintenance was assured by the 
annual subscriptions and donations, collected from time to time 
by the active members going from house to house throughout 
the two cities, together with the aid afforded by the active 
operations of the sewing-society. 

In order to raise a fund for the purchase of a suitable site 
and the erection of buildings, a fair was projected, and held in 
September, 1833, and also one in the year following : the results 
from both were highly encouraging. 

Through the active and forcible manner in which the minis- 
ters of some of the churches presented the objects and aims of 
the institution to their several congregations, collections were 
taken up, and encouraging amounts realized. Concerts were 
given by amateur musical societies of both cities, and the pro- 
ceeds appropriated in aid of this benevolent enterprise. Con- 
tribution-boxes were also placed in all the steam and canal boats 
trading with the cities, and in the public hotels. During this 
period the managers experienced many trials and diffculties, and 
the strictest economy had to be observed in the management. 

In the year 1835 the late Mrs. N. W. Campbell was elected 
secretary. It was during this year that the subject of purchas- 
ing suitable grounds, and the erection of the necessary build- 
ings, was freely discussed : a considerable difference of opinions 
existed in regard to locality, some advocating Pittsburg, others 



146 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Allegheny, as the most suitable and convenient. The matter, 
however, was finally settled Aug. 16, 1836, by the offer of the 
late William Robinson of the fee-simple title of a lot of ground 
in the Second Ward, Allegheny, situated on the corner of 
Taylor Avenue and Webster Street. 

At this time a building committee was appointed, consisting 
of Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Denny, Mrs. Wade, and Mrs. Montgom- 
ery. The plans and specifications were gratuitously drawn up 
by the late John Chislett. 

In view of the high rate of labor and building material, 
operations were suspended until the following spring. 

By the efforts of the late Mrs. Mary Robinson, through the 
aid of the late Hon. Cornelius Darragh, a bill was passed by 
the Legislature at the session of 1838, appropriating the sum 
of ten thousand dollars to the institution, payable in annual in- 
stalments of one thousand dollars. In the spring of this year, 
ground was broken, and the building commenced, and was so 
far finished before the close of the year as to be occupied by a 
family of thirty children. During the year the sewing-society 
held fairs in one of the lower rooms of the building : the object 
was to raise means to purchase an adjoining lot for the purpose 
of a play-ground for the children committed to their care ; and 
by their continued efforts, the lot was purchased, at a cost of 
two thousand dollars, and deeded to the institution. 

The community now became thoroughly awakened, and 
seemed greatly interested in the cause ; liberal donations and 
legacies were received from time to time ; and upon the return 
of each Thanksgiving Day, the cause of this much-needed insti- 
tution was not forgotten by the benevolent. 

Notwithstanding the means derived from all these sources to 
meet the wants of the increasing family, the arduous and thank- 
less duty of collecting the annual subscriptions had still to be 
continued by the managers. 

In order to relieve the managers of this onerous duty, a num- 
ber of benevolent gentlemen contributed each the annual sum 
of ten dollars, amounting to over one thousand dollars. This 
amount was only realized for a few years, when it ceased alto- 
gether : still, the cause has been greatly favored by the following 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. T47 

legacies and donations of those friendly to the enterprise, which 
have been safely invested, and the interest utilized for the cur- 
rent expenses of the institution : viz., — 

LEGACIES. 

Charles Brown's estate $112,917 40 

James McAule3''s estate, farm and stock in Mercer 

County, Penn., value 2,950 00 

Mary O'Hara's estate, five lots in the city of Pitts- 
burg, value 2,500 00 

Samuel Hall's estate 1,000 00 

Michael Allen's estate I>7i9 00 

Thomas Holmes's estate 500 00 

Isabella McDonald's estate 500 00 

Mrs. Mowry's estate 1,000 00 

J. R. Weldin's estate 300 00 

James Frazier's estate 500 00 

Thomas Hartford's estate, contingent on the death of 

his widow, who died in February, 1874 • • 39,ooo 00 

Mr. Plummer's estate 250 00 

Mrs. James Park's estate 1,000 00 

James Crawford's estate (by Thomas Holmes) . . 1,000 00 

Thomas Bakewell's estate 1,000 00 

Thomas S. Clarke's estate 5,000 00 

Mrs. Albree's estate 500 00 

Miss Rose McCabe's estate 300 00 

DONATIONS. 

Elizabeth F. Denny, 100 shares Pennsylvania Railroad 

stock, value 5,000 00 

M. J. Semple 1,000 00 

Messrs. McKnight, Hogg, and Childs, " Fortification 

Fund" 778 90 

Mrs. James Anderson, 27 shares Allegheny Bridge 

stock, value 675 00 

John Reddick, quit-claim deed for lot on Ridge, 
Grant, and Lincoln Avenues, 150 and 250 feet, 
new site 

State Pennsylvania, by Act of the Legislature, ap- 
proved April 14, A.D. 1838 10,000 00 

William Robinson, jun., lot of ground, corner of Web- 
ster Street and Taylor Avenue, valued at . . 2,000 00 

Allegheny Sewing-Society, lot of ground adjoining 
the one donated by William Robinson, jun., 
valued at 2,000 00 



148 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



John Irwin 

William Thaw 

A. and W. K. Nimick .... 
William Holmes & Co. 

J. M. Pennock 

William Holmes .... 

Charles Knap 

Nathaniel Holmes .... 
]\I. J. Semple . . . . . 

James Park, jun 

Economy Society .... 

Mary B. Jackson 

Isaac Jones 

Thomas S. Clarke .... 

Reuben Miller, jun 

James McAuley 

John Bissell 

William M. Lyon .... 

James Caldwell 

Others in less sums, aggregating, in 1868 



In view of the contingency involved in the donation of 
$15,000, and legacy of $52,000, of the late Charles Brown, and 
the location on Taylor Avenue and Webster Street not proving 
altogether healthy, the managers resolved to commence the 
erection of new buildings on the corner of Ridge and Grant 
Avenues, on the property deeded to them by John Reddick. In 
1866 it was completed and made ready for occupancy. 

On the twentieth day of March, 1872, a further supplement 
to the Act of incorporation was enacted, changing the cor- 
porate title to the "Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and 
Allegheny ;" and in accordance with the supplementary Act, the 
following ladies were constituted a board of managers : viz., — 



2,000 


00 


3,000 


00 


3,000 


00 


2,103 


00 


1,390 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


1,000 


00 


750 


00 


750 


00 


600 


00 


500 


00 


500 


00 


500 


00 


500 


00 


9,051 


00 



Mrs. Elizabeth F. Denny, 

" Mary Wilkins, 

*' Mary J. Hays, 

" H. B. Logan, 

" Mary H. Brunot, 

" J. E. Childs, 

" H. W. Heath, 

" Letitia B. Holmes, 

" J. F. Jennings, 



Mrs. a. C. Kay, 
" William Vankirk, 
" Lois J. Campbell, 
" James Verner, 
" E. Fawcett, 

Miss M. H. Smith, 
" H. S. Lothrop, 
" E. P. Albree, 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM, 149 

And such other ladies as the board may from time to time elect 
to fill vacancies, so that the said board shall always consist of 
seventeen members, ten of which shall constitute a quorum. 

Nearly fifty years, from its inception to the present year, 1880, 
have passed away; and all who have aided in the noble and 
unselfish enterprise, certainly deserve the earnest commenda- 
tion of the public for their labor of love and earnest work in 
the completion of an edifice that is an ornament to the city, 
and a monument to the memory of the friends of the orphan. 

The revenue of the institution is steadily on the increase, 
and enjoys, as in the past, the confidence and esteem of every 
good and philanthropic citizen. 

The number of orphan children cared for and trained up in 
the paths of rectitude have reached over two thousand, many 
of whom have been furnished with comfortable homes and prof- 
itable situations, who might have otherwise become inmates 
of reformatories and prisons. 

The liberal donations and legacies received from time to time, 
would not in themselves have been adequate to complete the 
extensive improvements designed on the new location, if it had 
not been for the untiring zeal and indomitable energy of the 
late William Holmes, who by his timely advice, and liberal con- 
tributions of himself and friends, assured the early completion 
of the new buildings. 

The late Thomas F. Dale, M.D., for many years before his 
death, with commendable zeal, added largely to the success of 
the institution, by contributing gratuitously his valuable services. 

On the twelfth day of August, 1862, the much-esteemed 
and ever faithful secretary, Mrs. N. W. Campbell, died. From 
the earliest inception of the institution to the day of her death, 
she was its firm friend, and took an active and intelligent in- 
terest in all its movements. Her influence, energy, moral and 
intellectual powers, were freely and consistently exerted in its 
behalf. From 1835 to the day of her death she occupied the 
responsible position of secretary, and well did she perform the 
duties of the trust committed to her care. She was correct in 
her judgment, and an affectionate parent and friend : she leaves 
behind the proud record of a blameless life and a spotless name. 



150 HISTORICAL CLE AIRINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

She has finished her work ; she has gone to her reward ; she 
died as she lived, a devout and humble Christian. 

'* Oh for the death of those 
Who slumber in the Lord ! 
Oh, be like theirs my last repose, 
Like theirs my last reward ! " 

Mrs. Campbell, during her early womanhood, wrote an admi- 
rable little work, entitled, "Why I am a Christian," in which she 
treats her subject in a plain and logical manner, creditable alike 
to her Christian character and literary attainments. 

Socially and religiously, good women in their lives exert an 
influence silent but powerful and all-pervading. The flower 
may wither and decay, but the fragrance is wafted onward. It 
is said by an eminent writer, that " the hand that rocks the 
cradle rules the world ; " and while we commemorate the 
virtues of men, both great and good, let us not forget how dear 
and hallowed is the name of woman. How seldom do we 
award the meed of praise to that gentle, thoughtful, and 
loving hand, so potent in forming the fabric of society, and 
shaping the destiny of man ! 



LIST OF MANAGERS, 1880. 

PRESIDENT. 
Mrs. Elizabeth D. McKnight . . Western Avenue, Allegheny. 

VICE-PRESIDENT. 
Mrs. Annie A. Speer . . . .12 Stockton Avenue, Allegheny. 

TREASURER. 
Mrs. H. B. Logan .... Lincoln Avenue, Allegheny. 

SECRETARY. 
Mrs. Lois J. Campbell . . . Parnassjis, Penn. 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY ORPHAN ASYLUM. 151 







MANAGERS. 




Mrs. 


Mary J. Hays. 




Mrs. 


E. G. King. 




J. E. Childs. 




a 


J. E. Hanna. 




Letitia Holmes. 




Miss 


H. B. LOTHROP. 




Elizabeth Van Kirk. 




(( 


Jane Holmes. 




Dalzell. 




(( 


Garrison. 




Mary A. Brunot. 




u 


Amelia Greer. 




Anna C. Kay. 




ii. 


Eliza Forsythe 




Mary N. Murray. 









COMMITTEES. 

PURCHASIN& COMMITTEE. 
Miss Jane Holmes. Mrs. Letitia Holmes. 

REOEIVINa AND INDENTURE COMMITTEE FOR PITTSBURG. 

Miss Holmes No. log Pemt Avemie. 

" Amelia Greer No. 2Q Fifth Street. 

Mrs. Mary N. Murray ..... A^o. 102 Penn Avenue. 

RECEIVING AND INDENTURE COMMITTEE FOR ALLEGHENY. 

Mrs. R. S. Hays No. 6 Stockton Avenue. 

Miss S. Garrison No. 218 Ridge Avenue. 

" H. B. Lothrop Western Avenue. 



ornoERS. 

Mrs. Weineman, Matron. 

Miss E. Hervey, Assistant Matron. 
" M. Wallace, Principal Teacher. 

Mrs. Snowden, Primary Teacher. 

Miss McMarlen, Hospital Nurse. 
Physician, Dr. O. L. Miller, Montgomery Avenue. 
Consulting Physician, 'D'S.. R. B. Mowky, Allegheny. 



In 1874 the soldiers' orphans under the care of the State 
having decreased in number, it was deemed best by the author- 
ities to remove all those who were then inmates, and place them 
in the schools provided by the State for their maintenance and 



152 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

education, many of whom were inmates of the Pittsburg and 
Allegheny Protestant Orphans' Asylum for a number of years, 
and the managers regretted the necessity of the removal. The 
first ones were received in January, 1865, and at one time 
there were one hundred and fifty on the roll ; six have died ; 
eight have remained until their discharge, at the age of six- 
teen ; the whole number received being two hundred and 
thirty. The amount realized for each has averaged ^102.50; 
and the whole amount received from the State, during the time 
they were domiciled in the institution, from 1865 to 1874, 
reached the sum of ^78,927.45. 



HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS. 153 



PITTSBURG AND ALLEGHENY HOME FOR THE 

FRIENDLESS. 



This institution is located in the Fourth Ward, between 
Washing-ton Street and Church Avenue. It was organized 
Feb. 26, 1 86 1, by a few charitable ladies connected with the 
"Pittsburg and Allegheny Relief Society," who formed an 
association for the establishment of a home for destitute chil- 
dren who were excluded from admission into the "Orphan 
Asylum," and also to provide a temporary "home" for desti- 
tute women of reputable character. The latter feature they 
have ceased to carry out, and have concentrated their energies 
on the care of their more youthful charges. 

From year to year, the managers have labored with becom- 
ing zeal and untiring energy, surmounting all the difficulties 
incident to an undertaking of this kind, and have now the 
proud satisfaction of knowing that their labors of love have not 
proved fruitless. 

The institution is supported by aid derived from voluntary 
contribution, and revenue arising from an endowment fund 
established through the benefactions of the following charita- 
ble friends : viz., — 

Morrison Underwood $5.ooo 00 

Charles Brewer 3>ooo 0° 

James McAuley,' 50 shares People's National Bank 

stock, par value 5,ooo 00 

I Twenty shares of this stock to be sold, and the proceeds to be used in the construc- 
tion of the contemplated buildings, the dividends arising from thirty shares for the support 
of the inmates. 



154 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Richard Clyde i,ooo oo 

James Caldwell i,ooo oo 

Samuel Gordon 800 00 

Miss Helen Wilson 1,000 00 

Lippincott & Bakewell 500 00 

These liberal donations, with several others of less amount, 
have been safely invested, and, with the accrued interest on 
the same, make the endowment fund about eighteen thousand 
dollars. 

The value of the buildings and grounds is estimated at 
forty thousand dollars, and has a frontage of about one hun- 
dred and fifty feet on Washington Street, extending in depth 
southerly to Church Avenue about three hundred and ten 
feet, comprising what was formerly the homesteads of Henry 
Forsyth and Samuel Baily, both deceased. It is eligibly 
located, having a capacity for the accommodation of from 
one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and thirty chil- 
dren. It is clear of debt, and the managers have abundant 
cause to be proud of the good resulting from their truly philan- 
thropic work ; and it is to be hoped that the noble undertaking, 
with its bright record of care for the unfortunate little ones, 
will stimulate the philanthropists to renewed efforts, in placing 
the institution upon a more substantial basis. 

Leaving out of view the Christian and humanitarian aspect 
of the case, would not a more generous support and encourage- 
ment be a wise and economical measure ? Many of these 
unfortunates, who have been brought within the happy in- 
fluence of the " Home," are now respected members of society, 
who otherwise might be the occupants of a criminal's cell or a 
pauper's grave. 

There are no trusts committed to our care so important and 
responsible as the proper training of the young : it requires 
more wisdom, sagacity, and grace than all the pretentious and 
various worldly schemes which occupy the time and intellect 
of our Christian people. 

In 1 87 1 the following subscriptions were effected, in order to 
consummate the purchase of the adjoining property, belonging 
to Henry Forsyth : viz., — 



HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS. 



155 



Mrs. E. F. Denny . 






ji5i,ooo 00 


Alexander Nimick . 






1,000 00 


John Holmes . . 






1,000 00 


Richard Hays . . 






1,000 00 


William Holmes 






1,000 00 


William Thaw . . 






1,000 00 


Charles Clark . . 






1,000 00 


A. Carnegie . . . 






1,000 00 


Lyon Shorb & Co. . 






1,000 00 


Estate F. G. Bailey 






892 50 


John Jackson 






500 00 


Mrs. E. Mowry . 






500 00 


James P. Hanna 






500 00 


John Moorhead . 






500 00 


George Black. . 






500 00 


Isaac Jones . . 




• 


500 00 


William Morrison 




• 


500 00 


Charles Arbuthnot 






500 00 


C. G. Hussey • . 




. 


50 00 


Jacob Painter 




• 


100 00 


A. D. Smith . . 




• 


500 00 



D. M. Smith . . . 
James Laughlin . . 
Spang, Chalfaut, & Co, 
Mrs. William A. Reed 
Hostetter & Smith 
J. K. Moorhead . 
James Irwin . . 
William B. Holmes 
Jane Holmes . . 
James Park, jun. . 
William M. Hersh 
Robert Beer . . 
Joseph Home . . 
Thomas M. Howe 
Thompson Bell . 
William P. Weyman 
Rees, Graff, & Co. 
William Walker . 
Samuel McKee . 

Total . . 



$500 00 
500 00 
500 00 
500 00 
250 00 
200 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
100 00 
50 00 
50 00 

$18,192 50 



The nineteenth annual report, from June i, 1879, to June 
I, 1880, verified by the following statement of Mrs. Belle D. 
Foster, treasurer, of the receipts and expenditures during the 
period, will exhibit the condition of the treasury : viz., — 



<( 


<( 


(( 


(( 


» 


« 


(( 


« 


« 


<( 


(( 


u 


<( 


(( 


(( 


(( 


« 


a 


(( 


(( 


« 


« 


« 


(C 


« 


(( 


« 



Dr. 

To balance in treasury, including amount received from 

former treasurer . 
To amount received for boarding . 
from collections 
donations 
ground-rent 
dividend bank-stock 
guardians of the poor 
fees and fines 
proceeds of fair 
interest on endowment fund 
endowment fund to meet con 
tingencies 



\o 04 

1,691 82 

2,880 10 

565 10 

93 50 
300 00 
156 00 

29 75 
760 81 
150 00 

646 83 



$8,213 95 



I -.6 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



Cr. 



By amount paid salaries 



milk . 

bread . 

groceries . 

repairs 

drugs and medicines 

gas and coal 

shoes and mending 

dry-goods . 



marketing 



msurance . 
stationery . 
miscellaneous 
Balance in treasury 



$1,607 42 



1,071 


60 


1,101 


70 


546 


31 


5S8 


II 


53 


83 


237 


23 


259 92 


430 


88 


729 


16 


188 


S6 


27 


84 


lOI 


82 


1,269 


57 



Total. 



$8,213 95 



OrnOERS AND MANAGERS. 

OFFICEKS. 

Mrs. Robert McKnight, President. 
" H. P. Schwartz, Vice-President. 
" Belle D. Foster, Treasurer. 
" George A. Kelly, Secretary. 



MANAGERS. 



Mrs. C. J. Agnew. 

" E. M. Byers. 

" E. E. Breading. 

" Charles Cole. 

" Dr. Dale. 

" J. E. B. Dalzell. 

" William H. Ewing. 

*' g. follansbee. 

" Richard Hays. 

" Albert Horne. 



Mrs 



(( 



Rev. Joseph King. 

James Laughlin. 

James B. McFadden. 
" Henry Phipps. 
" William B. Rhoades. 
« C. B. Shea. 
Miss Mary Nimick. 
" Mary McKee. 
" Lydia Hays. 
" Mary Schwartz. 



HOME FOR THE CARE OF THE POOR. 157 



HOME FOR THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE 
POOR OF THE CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 



In pursuance of the provisions of a special Act of the Legis- 
lature approved April 9, 1844, John Morrison, Henry Hannen, 
Robert S. Cassatt, Thomas Barnett, L. O. Reynolds, E, W. 
Stephens, Thomas Farly, Thomas H. Stewart, and William 
Tate were appointed commissioners to select and purchase a 
site within ten miles of the city, for the purpose of erecting 
suitable buildings for the care and employment of the indigent 
of the city. On the 20th of September, 1844, the commis- 
sioners concluded to purchase the farm of John Sample, con- 
sisting of 166 acres, situated in the valley of Girty's Run in 
Shaler township ; the distance from the Diamond Squares 
beins: a little over two miles. The contract for the erection of 
the building was awarded to Messrs. Moore & Walker : it was 
completed, and made ready for the reception of inmates, late in 
the winter of 1845. Cost of the farm, ^12,000. Contract for 
the buildings, $4,500. 

This location not proving suitable for the object contem- 
plated, a subsequent Act was passed by the Legislature, ap- 
proved April 12, 1867, authorizing the sale of the 166 acres in 
convenient sized building-lots, the proceeds of the sale to be 
appropriated to the purchase of another more suitable location, 
and the erection thereon of buildings better adapted for the 
object sought. In the following June, the farm was laid out in 
lots ; and the first public sale was held on the 4th of Septem- 
ber, 1867, and the second and last on the nth August, 1875, 

The total amount realized from these sales was 1^292,396.72, 
which was appropriated to the purchase of a new site, and 
erection of the necessary buildings. 



158 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

On the tenth day of March, 1871, the present location at 
Claremont in O'Hara township, containing ninety-six (96) 
acres, was purchased from James T. Beatty at ^600 per acre, 
payable, twenty-five per cent in cash, and the balance in city 
bonds having twenty years to run. 

Peter Beard, Thomas Barnett, and Thomas H. Stewart, the 
first Board of Directors, were elected Jan. 14, 1845. As will 
be observed, the board consisted of three members elected 
triennially, until the passage of the Act of Assembly approved 
April 16, 1870, in which the number was changed, to consist of 
one member from each ward of the city, to be chosen for a 
term of two years, by the citizens at the general city election. 
It was ordered that the persons elected meet for organization 
on the first Monday of February ensuing the election, and hold 
their regular monthly sessions at their office in Municipal Hall 
on the first Friday of each month. 

The work of laying the foundations of the new buildings at 
Claremont was commenced in June, 1871, and was entirely 
completed in December, 1873. It was, however, occupied 
July 29, 1873, although but partially finished. The building, 
when completed, together with the amount paid for the land, 
cost in round numbers $230,000. The main structure is 286 
feet in front, by 46 feet in depth, with a corridor 10 feet wide, 
extending the whole length of the building. The east and 
west wings each extend back from the main building 150 feet 
in depth by 50 feet wide, the whole being three stories high. 
The steward's department is connected with the centre of the 
main building, and is 52 feet in depth by 35 feet wide, and is 
supplied with corridors in each story 12 feet wide, and pro- 
vided with separate stairways leading to each. In this depart- 
ment, there are twelve commodious rooms, each 16 by 20 feet. 
In the main building, in the department assigned to females, 
there are three sitting-rooms, each 15 by 20 feet ; thirty-nine 
dormitories, 8 feet by 15 feet. The wing connected with this 
department has also thirty-one family-rooms, each 15 by 21 
feet ; twelve large dormitories with all the necessary modern 
improvements, such as wash-rooms, bath-rooms, water-closets, 
ventilators, etc. The other wing, which is assigned to the 



HOME FOR THE CARE OF THE POOR, 159 

males, is substantially the same, except the sitting-rooms, which 
are larger. The two rooms occupied by the medical director 
are 15 feet by 18 feet, adjoining each other, and reached from 
the outside of the main building by a hall. 

The attic over the front building is finished throughout, and 
lighted by the ordinary dormer-windows. In the central build- 
ing, there is a dining-room with two pantries, and a hall leading 
into the culinary department between them. 

The chapel is situated over the dining-room, the laundry 
and bake-house in the rear of the kitchen. The department for 
the insane is situated over the laundry and bake-house, in the 
rear of the chapel, and is approached by a hall seven feet wide. 
All these apartments are spacious, and finished in the most 
approved manner. The insane-department contains twenty- 
six rooms, with separate water-closets, bath-rooms, and dining- 
rooms for each sex, and elevators leading from the kitchen to 
each. The entire building is heated with steam by direct and 
indirect radiation : it is also supplied with pure water forced 
from the Allegheny River to an elevation in the rear of the 
buildings. It is also lighted throughout with gas made on the 
ground. The heights of the several stories, commencing with 
the first floor, are respectively 13, 12, and 11 feet, and each 
floor is reached by seven separate stairways, affording an 
excellent mode of egress in case of fires. 

This large, well-planned, and magnificent structure is located 
on an elevated plateau on the north bank of the Allegheny 
River, about two hundred feet from the Western Pennsylvania 
Railroad, overlooking the river, and commanding a beautiful 
view of the surrounding country. It is generally conceded 
that there are but few, if any, of this class of institutions that 
equal the Allegheny Home, in point of beauty of location, 
design, and appointments. It is intended to accommodate 
from six to eight hundred inmates. 

The total expenditure in 1879 ^^^ maintenance was net 
^35,696.01. Out of this sum, ^8,671.96 were expended for 
outside relief. 



i6o 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



A LIST OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE 
ALLEGHENY POOR-BOARD, 

FROM ITS FIRST ORGANIZATION IN 1844 TO 1880, CAREFULLY 
COMPILED FROM THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD, AND AR- 
RANGED IN THE ORDER OF SUCCESSION. 



DIKECTORS ELECTED BY GENERAL TICKET. 



Thomas H. Stewart. 
Peter Beard. 
Thomas Barnett. 
Henry Hannen, M.D. 
Jacob Geyer. 
William B. Copeland. 
Robert Davis. 
A. Cameron. 



James L. Graham. 
Thomas Farly. 
D. BoisoL. 
Andrew Davidson. 
James P. Fleming. 
J. G. Coffin. 
Robert Ashworth. 



James Sloss. 

J. V. HOAG. 

John N. Barr. 
George Gerst. 
E. Gleason. 
William Murdock. 
John Brown, Jun. 



In pursuance of the provisions of a supplementary Act, approved April 
16, 1870, the number of directors was changed from three members to 
one member from each ward, to be chosen annually. 



First Ward. — Thomas Scandrett, J. F. Neely, Thomas Patterson, Joseph 
Washington. 

Second lVard. — ]oHN Brown, Jun., George Bothwell, Abraham Dickson, 
James E. Strickler. 

TAird Ward. — George Gerst, William Walker. 

Fourth Ward. — John Dean, Leonard Walter, Sen., Joseph Lautner. 

Fifth ^rtrc/. — George Parkins, Isaac A. Reed, W. W. Speer, Jaimes R. 
Reed, J. B. Johnston, M.D. 

Sixth Ward. — ]ons Speer, James Lowrie, Henry Faulkner, William F. 
Trimble. 

Seventh Ward. — Martin Ley, Valentine Baker. 

Eighth ^(irr/. — Ernest Egg£Rs, John H. Morrison, David F. Jackson, 
Alonzo M. Young. 



DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE POOR-BOARD. l6l 

Ninth Ward. — E. N. RiGGS, M.D., Cyrus Hutchison, George Wittmer, 
David H. McCarthy. 

Tenth Ward. — T. F, Grubbs, John Q. Workman, Charles B. Welte. 

Eleventh Ward. — Thomas B. Kerr, Henry H. Phillips. 

Twelfth Ward. — Henry Snaman, Peter Meinninger. 

Thirteenth Ward. — This ward elects no member. It is represented by the chair- 
man of the farm committee of councils, as provided for by law. 



Jacob Geyer. 
A. Davidson. 
James Sloss. 



PRESIDENTS OF THE BOARD. 



George Gerst. 
J. H. Morrison. 
J. F. Neely. 



A. Dickson. 
H. H. Phillips. 



SECRETARIES OF THE BOARD. 



Wm. B. Copeland. 
Henry Hannen, M.D. 
A. Cameron. 
James L. Graham. 



A. Montgomery. 
William Martin. 
John Silliman. 



James P. Fleming. 
Robert Ashworth. 
John Dean. 

STEWARDS. 

Andrew Barclay. 
John S. Gould. 



E. N. RiGGS, M.D. 

A. Dickson. 

J. B. Johnston, M.D. 



D. T. Johnston. 
T. F. Grubbs. 



AttENT OF OUT-DOOR RELIEF. 
John H. Stewart. 



Charles Kelly. 



CLERKS. 
M. McGonnigle. 



R. D. McGonnigle. 



Rev. Mr. Cleveland. 



CHAPLAINS. 
Rev. A. Williams. 



Rev. William Collier. 



Dr. R. B. Mowry. 
Dr. T. H. Elliott. 
Dr. James B. Herron. 
Dr. M. M. Knox. 



MEDICAL DIRECTORS. 

Dr. James Scroggs. 
Dr. A. Perchment. 
Dr. H. F. Campbell. 
Dr. W. V. Marcus. 



Dr. John Hamilton. 
Dr. B. B. Smith. 
Dr. R. H. Gilliford. 
Dr. C. H. Voight. 



J. B. Graham. 



INSANE-DEPAETMENT. 

SUPERINTENDENTS. 
R. Crane. R. Whittaker. R. B. Crawford. 



1 62 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

MATRONS. 
Mrs. E. J. Karns. Mrs. M. J. Kellogg. 

SOLICITORS. 
Stephen Geyer and William B. Rodgers. 

TREASURER. 
David Macferron. 

CHAIRMEN OF FARM COMMITTEE OF COUNCILS. 

Hon. Hugh McNeil. Robert Wilson. John A. Beck. 

Peter Walter, Jun. John Seiling. 

These gentlemen, as members of common council by virtue of their appointment 
as chairmen of the farm committee, are also members of the board. 



PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL. 163 



PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL 



The necessity for the removal of this institution (its re-organ- 
ization and the causes which led to it), from its location in the 
Ninth Ward of the city of Allegheny, to its present location in 
Washington County, Penn., may be better comprehended in the 
following brief history of the project, from its incipiency to its 
final consummation, in purchase of a farm in Cecil township, 
Washington County, and the adoption of what is termed the 
family system. 

The steadily increasing number of the inmates rendered it 
absolutely necessary that some provision should be speedily 
adopted for their accommodation. 

The building was originally intended to accommodate less 
than two hundred children, yet the number had increased to 
over three hundred. 

As early as 1870 the attention of the Board of Managers was 
particularly directed to the matter, and it was from that time 
forward the subject of frequent and anxious discussion. 

The original plan of the building did not admit of extension ; 
and it was obvious, that, even with expensive alterations, it 
would be insufficient for the males, while a new building would 
have to be erected for the accommodation of the females. 

A careful estimation of the cost of the necessary alterations 
and the construction of new building exceeded the sum of 
two hundred thousand dollars. 

During the time of the consideration of the subject, the loca- 
tion of the institution was included in the corporate limits of 
the city of Allegheny. 

The constantly increasing population, and consequent erec- 



1 64 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

tion of dwellings, rolling-mills, and other factories in close prox- 
imity to the institution, rendered it an unsuitable site for a 
reformatory. 

In this new view of the question, the Board of Managers 
hesitated to ask for a large appropriation from the State, for the 
erection of new buildings, notwithstanding the crowded condi- 
tion of the institution was seriously retarding its usefulness. 

General attention in the mean time having been directed to 
the subject, the public sentiment clearly sanctioned the removal 
of the institution to a county site. 

Successive grand juries recommended it because of the 
unsuitable nature of its location and buildings, the extensive 
alterations and additions that would be necessary to adapt them 
to the requirement of the institution, and its unfavorable posi- 
tion in the midst of a thronged neighborhood and close proxim- 
ity to rolling-mills, etc. 

The public press also pointed triumphantly to the success 
attending county schools in other States, especially to the Ohio 
State Reform School, as conclusive evidence of the superiority 
of the family over the congregate system, and the advantage of 
a farm-life for the class of children usually received in reforma- 
tories. 

The counties also urged it as an effective means of lessening 
expenses ; and philanthropists, and friends of the institution gen- 
erally, advocated it as in all respects calculated to promote the 
moral welfare and physical health of the inmates, and render 
more effective the efforts for their reformation. 

There was no definite action taken by the Board of Managers, 
until a special committee of the Senate visited the institution, 
who, in their report to the Legislature, recommended its 
removal to a farm site. 

It was not till then, with the approval of the Board of Public 
Charities, and in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature, the 
first tangible steps were taken, which resulted in the purchase 
of the farm of five hundred and two acres in Cecil township, 
Washington County, and subsequent erection of new buildings 
suitable for the farm and family organization. 

In the re-organization of the institution on the plan familiarly 



PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL. 165 

known as the family system, which has been so eminently 
popular and successful in Ohio and other States, the Board 
of Managers believe they recognized, and acted in accordance 
with, natural laws. 

The family is a divine institution, and is so arranged by the 
Creator, that every human being is influenced more for good by 
it than by any other thing in social life. This influence is inde- 
finable, and pervades the whole social organization : it appeals 
to our self-respect, and stimulates our hopes by opening to our 
view fair prospects in life. The nearer we approach to the home 
and family circle, the greater will be the influence for good felt 
in the hearts and lives of each individual member of society. 

Impressed with these views, the Board of Managers deter- 
mined, in the erection of the new buildings, to ignore stone 
walls, bolts and bars, and all other prison appliances, and estab- 
lish, in the true meaning of the term, a school for the proper 
training and education of wayward and neglected children, so 
that the pupils can go out into the world fully educated for its 
duties and responsibilities, with no brand attached to their 
names, and be received with as much trust and confidence as 
any of those who go out from the public schools. 

In accordance with this view, the inmates are divided into 
families of fifty each, occupying separate buildings, and governed 
by separate officers. In its local management, each family is 
distinct from the others, but, nevertheless, are united in govern- 
ment under one central head. 

Each family building has a separate dormitory, schoolroom, 
dining-room, wash-room, and playground. 

The government in all respects is parental, or such as would 
be adopted in any well-disciplined home : coercion is not to be 
resorted to until all moral means have failed. 

This system evidently affords the best facilities for classifica- 
tion and individualization. Children as well as adults are sel- 
dom reformed in masses : reformation is mostly effected by 
well-directed effort acting upon the individual heart. 

In carrying out the division of the inmates into families, the 
policy adopted does not depend so much upon age or charac- 
ter as upon adaptation ; although the very small children are 



1 66 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

placed in a family by themselves. Special qualifications of offi- 
cers in charge of the families are considered, as well as the 
peculiar habits and disposition of the child. Those that are 
more difficult to manage are placed in small families in charge 
of officers, who, by tact and executive ability, are enabled to 
exert the most effective influence. Care, however, is taken 
to limit this class of children in any one family. To associate 
together the incorrigible and vicious, and designate them as 
a dishonored class, give power to evil influence, and afford 
facilities for combination in concocting wickedness, rendering 
reformation almost hopeless. 

In order to afford a better opportunity for determining char- 
acter and disposition, children, when first admitted to the insti- 
tution, are placed in one of the families occupying the main 
building, under the more direct observation of the superintend- 
ent, there to remain until a sufficient knowledge is obtained of 
them ; and from thence they are placed in the family where the 
association and discipline are adapted to exert the best influence. 

By this means, the individual is never lost sight of in the 
crowd : his case is separately and carefully considered, and 
measures adopted to remedy defects in his character or pre- 
vious training. 

To check the young in the commencement of their criminal 
course, is the primary object of the institution. The necessity 
of an institution of this character grows out of the fact that the 
ordinary checks of society, including our well-adjusted system 
of education, have been found inadequate for the purpose. 

The youthful offender must be removed from the community 
and the sphere where he moves, only to corrupt and be cor- 
rupted, and placed where he will be subject to a new life and 
training, and his future demoralization carefully guarded against, 
where reliance on self is more externally sustained, and less 
dependent on its own self-determining power. 

Remove from the schoolroom and out of the neighborhood 
the presiding genius of evil, the radiating point of demoraliza- 
tion, remove from the community these ulcers, and having lost 
their centre, the cause of irritation taken away, soon the sur- 
rounding parts will begin to feel a healthy action. 



PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL. 167 

To these outcasts of society, the doors of the institution 
open, and rescue him from a prison, and associations with 
others probably worse than himself, and save him from utter 
hopelessness and ruin, introducing him to new scenes, unfold- 
ing to him a new life, and inspiring him with higher notions and 
more exalted aspirations. 

By a few years' detention in the institution of the youthful 
offender, even if his reformation proves incomplete, society will 
doubtless be the gainer. Removed from temptations, and his 
proneness to do evil curbed, his small villanies stopped, and 
higher crime prevented, even if he should relapse after release, 
still something is gained. - 

In a financial point of view, it is infinitely better to keep all 
such in a reformatory during their natural lives, than leave them 
unrestrained to prey upon the community. It is less expensive 
to thus control them than to suffer them to run at large. To 
follow them in their career of crime, and take note of the 
amount of property they destroy, would afford abundant proof 
of this. 

The worst of this class may be rescued. A Magdalen was 
reformed, and a thief on the cross saved. According to the 
records, fully three-fourths of the children committed to the 
institution since its opening have become respectable and 
useful members of society. Although the work is arduous, 
and requires constant and unremitting care, it is, nevertheless, 
a grand and noble charity. The price of a human being may 
be inferred by what it costs to reclaim him. Brought into the 
world in corruption, nurtured in crime, associated with vice, 
with a hardened conscience and benighted mind, in this institu- 
tion he is brought to realize the comforts of a quiet home, 
wholesome food, healthful and invigorating exercise, and harm- 
less amusement ; while to his ill-directed mind is unfolded the 
beneficial working of the Golden Rule, " Do to others as you 
would have them do unto you ; " and induced to look upon 
God as his Father, and heaven as his ultimate home. 

Here he is instructed in the elementary principles of science, 
and such habits sought to be induced as will tend to make him 
an honest and useful member of society. When sufficiently 



l68 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

educated, and character established for good, he is placed out of 
the institution in a position where he may acquire a knowledge 
of some good trade or employment. 

Even then the guardianship of the institution does not for- 
sake him : it follows him, and spreads over him the wings of its 
protection, counsels, and care, until he is able to maintain the 
struggles of the new life he has commenced. If he falls, it still 
cares for him, and receives him back into the ark of his safety, 
and again essays to restore him to an honest life. 

These children are scattered over the entire continent, from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific : they are found engaged in various 
reputable employments, some of them are happy heads of 
families, who train up their little ones as they were trained 
in the Reform School. 

By patient and persevering industry, some have become suc- 
cessful in acquiring a moderate share of this world's goods ; 
while others, pressed down by anxious cares, have not been so 
fortunate, yet in all their trials they still retain their integrity. 

It is gratifying to observe the marked change that has been 
effected in a few short weeks in the appearance, habits, and 
sometimes even in the character, of the child committed to the 
care of the institution ; and it is difficult to recognize in the 
bright-eyed child, clothed in the neat uniform of the school, 
the demoralized little wretch brought from the streets and slums 
of the cities, by the police, whose general ragged appearance 
bore ample testimony of neglect, and inclination to vagrancy and 
crime. Relieved of his rags, and clad in clean clothes, he rises 
from wretchedness and shame, which even to his clouded per- 
ceptions were a grievous burden, and feels and realizes the cur- 
rent of a new life. 

The mild and firm discipline of a few weeks has brought a won- 
derful change, under a judicious continuance of which the child 
may become corrigible, and make a good and useful citizen. 

It must be borne in mind, that the Reform School is not 
simply a charitable institution, notwithstanding the absence 
of stone walls, bolts and bars, and the inauguration of a mild 
paternal discipline, to soften the asperities of confinement, by 
impressing upon the mind of the children that it is a home 



PENNSYLVANIA REFORM SCHOOL. 169 

rather than a prison ; the fact remains, that it is correctional — 
a penal institution, as much connected with the administration 
of criminal law as any of our prisons. The Commonwealth, 
therefore, recognizes the Reform School as one of her penal 
institutions, and makes provision for its support as an imperative 
public necessity on the grounds that it is better to be taxed for 
the virtue of the child than to pay for the vices of the man. 

The institution is in no sense sectarian. All religious de- 
nominations are recognized by its managers as having an equal 
right, through their teachers and ministers, to impart religious 
instruction to the inmates. The object of the managers has 
always been to invite the services of ministers of all denomina- 
tions, thus rendering the pulpit free to all of whatever creed. 

The invariable practice is to permit ministers of any religious 
belief to visit the inmates at any time during health or sickness, 
to administer pidvate religious instruction without the presence 
or interference of the officers of the institution ; and no restraint 
is permitted to be placed upon either minister or child, which 
could in the least interfere V4\l\i.free dind private communication 
between them. 

In cases of sickness, the parent, guardian, or friends are 
immediately summoned, who, in serious cases, remain in the 
institution, assisting in the care of the patient. 



I/O HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



PITTSBURG ALMSHOUSE. 



The history of this institution may be briefly stated thus : 
Prior to the death of the late Col. James O'Hara, which oc- 
curred in 1819, the overseers of the poor of the city of Pitts- 
burg were in negotiation with him for the purchase of out-lot 
No. 256, containing ten acres, situated on the north side of 
Ohio Lane, in the Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg, for the 
purpose of erecting thereon suitable buildings for the main- 
tenance of the poor of said city. The sale was consummated 
by his executors ; the deed, bearing date Feb. 10, 1821, recorded 
in Allegheny County, in vol. xxviii. p. 145 ; consideration, ^750. 
This lot was patented, inter alia, to John Park in 1789, and 
conveyed by him to James O'Hara in 1796. 

During 1821 and 1822 the overseers erected a large, two- 
story frame-building about three hundred feet from the line of 
Ohio Lane, midway from east to west, of sufficient dimensions 
to meet the present as well as the future wants. On the west- 
erly part of the lot, the cemetery was located. 

The buildings were finished in the latter part of 1822, and 
the inmates removed from their then location on the west side 
of Virgin Alley, near the corner of Wood Street, Pittsburg, to 
the new quarters prepared for them. Here the poor were 
maintained and cared for until the latter jjart of 1848, when 
they were again removed to a new home provided for them on 
the south side of the Monongahela River, in Mifflin township ; 
the poor-authorities having purchased fifty acres with improve- 
ments in 1850, and subsequently one hundred acres adjoining, 
upon which they erected extensive and costly brick buildings, 
the corner-stone of which was laid in the latter part of 1850, 
and completed Jan. 9, 1852, and occupied immediately. 



PITTSBURG ALMSHOUSE. 171 

The institution was chartered by Act of the General 
Assembly, approved in 1847, under the name of the "Guard- 
ians for the Relief and Employment of the Poor of the City of 
Pittsburg," and the board organized in February of the follow- 
ing year. Immediately after the removal, the land in Alle- 
gheny was laid out in building-lots, and sold, and the old 
buildings demolished. 

The remains of the dead were disinterred, and removed to 
Mount Union Cemetery. Many of the graves were found 
empty, clearly indicating that the bodies had been removed, 
doubtless for scientific purposes. 



172 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



FIFTH WARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



By the Act of the Legislature approved March 12, 1867, the 
borough of Manchester was annexed to the city of Allegheny. 

By an ordinance of the city councils passed subsequently, to 
wit, on the 9th of May, enlarging what was then the boundaries 
of the borough, so as to embrace the portions of the First and 
Second Wards lying between Fulton Street and Allegheny 
Avenue, the whole was divided into two wards. A line run- 
ning north and south through the centre of Allegheny Avenue, 
and east and west through the centre of Locust Street to the 
Ohio River, marked the division between them. All the terri- 
tory lying south of this line was designated the Fifth Ward ; 
and all north, the Sixth Ward. 

In consequence of this division, the greater portion of the 
school property belonging to the Manchester district fell into 
the Sixth Ward. 

The number of children of school age in the Fifth Ward at 
the time was nearly six hundred ; whilst the only accommoda- 
tion for this large number was the two-story brick building, 
35 by 63 feet, situate on the corner of Chartiers and Fayette 
Streets. 

This building, by no means prepossessing in appearance, con- 
tained but four rooms, poorly furnished, and partitioned with 
unpainted boards, presented a striking contrast to the one 
afterwards erected in the ward. 

There were but two legally authorized school directors re- 
siding within the limits of the ward at the time of its organiza- 
tion, — N. McClinton, a member of the Manchester board, and 
Samuel L Kay of the Second Ward board. 



FIFTH WARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 173 

In accordance with the instructions of the State Superintend- 
ent, these gentlemen met on the fourth day of October, 1867, 
and appointed four additional members, viz., Joseph Walton, 
Byron Painter, Alexander Patterson, and C. B. Shea; thus con- 
stituting a full board for the transaction of business. 

On the second day of November following, the first complete 
oreanization was effected. No effort was made towards the 
purchase of real estate and the erection of suitable buildings 
until after the election of school directors, and organization of 
the board, Jan. 20, 1868. 

The earliest measure adopted by the newly elected board was 
the appointment of Messrs. Robert Lea, Joseph Walton, and 
John E. Parke, a committee to confer with a similar committee 
from the First, Second, and Sixth Wards, in regard to an equi- 
table adjustment of the school property. 

As a result of this conference, the Fifth Ward retained the 
building on the corner of Chartiers and Fayette Streets at a 
valuation of $4,000, and received from the First Ward, $5,000, 
in three annual instalments of $1,666.66 each; from the Second 
Ward, $5,200, in four annual instalments of $1,300 each; and 
from the Sixth Ward, $7,000, payable in three annual in- 
stalments of $2,333.33 each, all the above payments without 
interest. 

As a step towards securing better school accommodations, 
which were felt to be imperatively demanded, a site was pur- 
chased in March, 1868, on the corner of Fulton and Page 
Streets, containing an area of 132 feet on Fulton, and 224^ 
feet on Page. 

Plans and specifications having been adopted, Messrs. Trim- 
ble and Mclntyre were awarded the contract. On the first day 
of May, 1868, ground was broken ; and on the first Monday of 
September in the following year, the entire structure was com- 
pleted, and ready for occupancy. 

The building, a substantial brick, with all the modern ap- 
pliances then in vogue, is 134 feet in front on Page Street, by 
68 feet on Fulton Street, three stories in height, and is divided 
into eighteen rooms, having on the third story a large and com- 
modious auditorium 35 by 68 feet, with a gallery on each side. 



1/4 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Nearly all the schoolrooms are provided with ample cloak- 
rooms. 

The building is heated by low-pressure steam, and lighted 
throughout with gas ; the surroundings paved with brick, and 
neatly enclosed on the Fulton and Page Streets fronts by an 
iron fence. 

The cost of the building is $47,786.39; improvements, $19,- 
460.01 ; eleven lots of ground, $10,400; in all, $77,646.40. 

During the construction of the new building, the large in- 
crease of the number of applicants for admission made it neces- 
sary to make other arrangements for the accommodation of the 
pupils than that afforded by the building on the corner of 
Chartiers and Fayette Streets. Union Hall, on the corner 
of Beaver Avenue and Sheffield Street, was, therefore, leased 
and occupied as a grammar school. 

On the evening of the 2d of September, 1869, the new school- 
house was formally dedicated, being complete in all its arrange- 
ments, and lighted up throughout with gas, for the inspection 
of the citizens. Its appearance seemed to meet the approval of 
every one present. After all parts of the building had been 
visited, a meeting was organized in the auditorium, by calling 
the late Rev. J. B. Clarke to officiate as chairman. The report 
of the board was then read, and a number of congratulatory 
addresses delivered, after which a vote of thanks was unani- 
mously tendered to the board of directors for their zeal and 
success in providing a school-building so ample in dimensions, 
and so well adapted to its educational wants. Schools were 
opened on the 6th of September following, with a total enrol- 
ment of six hundred and twelve pupils. On the evening of the 
2 1 St of December, a disastrous fire occurred, which, for a time, 
threatened to lay the entire structure in ashes. The second 
and third stories were entirely destroyed, nothing remaining 
except the bare walls. The first story suffered considerably 
from the water used in extinguishing the flames. 

The estimated loss, thirty thousand dollars, was fully covered 
by insurance. The fire was evidently the result of a want of 
proper care in the construction of the smoke-flues : it origi- 
nated near the roof, where the flue was carried over a win- 



FIFTH WARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 175 

dow. Prompt measures were at once adopted to repair the 
damage. The contract was awarded to Messrs. William Boyd 
& Son. 

In the mean time, the grammar and medium schools occupied 
the building on the corner of Fayette and Chartiers Streets ; 
the high school, Union Hall ; while the little folks conned 
over their primary lessons in the building on Market Street, 
near Greenwood, formerly used as the M. E. Church. In 
August, 1870, the building was again completed, and in the 
following month re-occupied. 

On the morning following the fire, large crowds assembled 
to view the ruins. It was deemed unsafe to permit persons 
within or near the building ; and every effort was made by the 
directors to induce the people to keep away, but without effect. 
A storm of wind and rain occurring at the time, a rush was 
made towards the ruins in order to avoid the storm as much as 
possible. At this moment the part of the front wall between 
the towers was blown over, seriously injuring two children of 
Mr. Jekel of the Fifth Ward, one of whom subsequently died 
from the effects of the injury received. 

An incident connected with the burning of the building is 
related by one of the directors, which, had it not been for the 
timely warning given, might have resulted in a loss of life. In 
the evening, shortly after the fire had commenced, it was 
deemed absolutely necessary to keep the outside doors closed, 
in order to shut off the draught : otherwise the fierce wind 
rushed with terrible fury through the halls and stairways, add- 
ing additional fierceness to the mad flames. 

A number of youths had assembled in the vestibule of the 
bell-tower : the director referred to, remonstrated with them, 
and quietly asked them to leave. They at first felt disposed to 
disobey ; but when told of the danger from the falling of the 
bell, which might occur at any moment, they acquiesced, and 
had scarcely left, when down it came, carrying every thing in 
its course to the basement. 

The Act of the Legislature approved March 12, A.D. 1867, 
consolidating the borough of Manchester with the city of Alle- 
gheny, and the ordinance passed by councils of the said city, 



1/6 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

May 9, A.D. 1867, made no provision for the adjudication of the 
school property when the school district in said borough and 
.in the old wards of the city were divided in arranging the sev- 
eral wards of said city after the passage of said Act and ordi- 
nance aforesaid. 

In view of which, the Legislature, upon application, passed an 
Act approved March 18, A.D. 1869, setting forth the manner of 
making a division : to wit, "If the school directors in the several 
wards cannot agree in arriving at an equitable division of the 
school property, in that case application shall be made to the 
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, who shall deter- 
mine whether any such new ward has its proper and equitable 
proportion of the school property belonging to the old ward or 
wards out of which such new ward was created under the Act 
of Assembly and ordinance of the city." 

By the Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, 
approved March 6, A.D. 1868 {vide P. Laws, p. 278), the school 
directors of the ward were empowered to borrow the sum of 
$30,000, payable within ten years from the passage of the Act, 
at a rate of interest not exceeding 8 per cent. This amount 
not proving adequate to the object contemplated, a supple- 
mentary Act was passed, approved Feb, 10, A.D. 1869 {vide P. 
Laws, p. 134), authorizing the directors to borrow the addi- 
tional sum of $30,000, payable within twenty years from the 
passage of the Act, at a rate of interest not exceeding 8 per cent. 
In 1872 the bonded indebtedness had reached its highest point, 
the amount outstanding at the time being $58,240.40. Since 
then it has been steadily decreased ; the amount outstanding 
on the I St of February, 1881, being $16,700. 

In 1873, June 17, the school property situate on the corner 
of Chartiers and Fayette Streets was disposed of to Messrs. 
Wilson for $5,000, payable in six annual instalments, with in- 
terest added at the rate of 8 per cent. 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY 
OBSERVATORY. 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 179 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 

S. P. LANGLEY, DIRECTOR. 
{^Prepared at the Request of Mr. Parke?) 



This institution was founded in i860 by the subscriptions of 
citizens, induced to promote the undertaking by the exertions 
of Mr. L. Bradley, to whom the inception of pubHc interest in 
the plan was due. A building was erected, and a large equa- 
torial telescope procured, when pecuniary difficulties arose to 
hinder immediate farther progress. In 1866 the donation of 
a large sum by William Thaw, Esq., of Pittsburg, with aid 
from others, freed the Observatory from debt, and furnished 
means for a partial endowment, whose income should supply 
its more urgent future current needs. At the same time the 
original contributors were induced, at the solicitation of Dr. G. 
Woods, to convey their title in the property to the trustees of 
the Western University of Pennsylvania, conditionally upon 
this property being restricted to the uses of the Observatory, 
and on the appointment and maintenance of an observer. In 
consequence of this change, the trustees, in 1867, invited Pro- 
fessor S. P. Langley to assume the office of director ; but it 
was not until 1869 that the equipment was in such a state of 
forwardness as to permit systematic observation, such as has 
since been uninterruptedly maintained. It is proper to state, 
that the considerable means for this equipment, procured by 
Professor Langley, were also due chiefly to the generous donor 
whose name has just been mentioned. 

The Observatory is situated on the high ground just north of 
the most populous part of the city of Allegheny, about four 



I80 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

hundred and fifty feet above the Ohio River, and eleven hun- 
dred and fifty feet above sea-level. The original building was 
seventy-two feet in length, and consisted of a principal story 
and basement, the fagade looking toward the south, and being 
divided into a central dome with two wings. Additions have 
been made from time to time; and the newer part, wdiich 
adjoins the eastern wing, extends in a northerly direction, 
eighty-eight feet. The material is brick, excepting the "dark 
room," or physical laboratory, for investigations in light and 
heat, which is of wood. The revolving dome (having an inter- 
nal diameter of twenty feet) is of wood and iron. 

Beneath the dome is the principal instrument, the equato- 
rial, of thirteen inches aperture (with an excellent objective 
by Clarke, the mounting being by Fitz of New York), with 
hour-circle, reading to seconds of time, declination circle read- 
ing to ten seconds of arc, and clock-movement controlled by 
Bond's system. The instrument has also a position filar 
micrometer, polarizing solar eye-piece, star-spectroscope with 
two prisms of Huggins's pattern, a large and a small grating 
spectroscope, and accessories for attaching a reflecting tele- 
scope (employing no lenses whatever) for special heat re- 
searches, — for attaching an optically plane mirror to the polar 
axis (thus forming a Fahrenheit heliostat), and for convert- 
ing the inverted telescope into a great equatorially mounted 
spectroscope. 

In the western wing is the transit-room, containing an 
instrument of four-inch aperture by Simms, a standard barom- 
eter by Green, the sidereal clock by Frodsham, and the prin- 
cipal mean-time clock by Howard. Both clocks, as well as the 
observer at the meridian instrument, or the equatorial, can be 
placed in electric connection with the rest of the building, and 
also with the lines of telegraph connecting the Observatory 
with the city, so that beats of the clocks can at a few moments' 
notice be transmitted to any part of the country, — those of the 
sidereal clock for the determination of longitude, and those of 
the mean-time clock for supplying time to near or distant 
cities, and to railroads. 

In the small hall connecting this room with the dome is a 



H^ISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. l8l 

stand for the galvanometer when this is used in connection 
with thermo-electric apparatus, attached to the equatorial in 
differential measurements of the heat from different parts of 
the sun. From this hall, access is also had to the self-register- 
ing and other thermometers. In the' east wing is the room 
containing the chronograph, various pieces of electric appara- 
tus, a third clock, and chronometers. It is occupied by the 
assistant in charge of the time-service. 

The north wing contains the private study of the director, 
the library (which has also been used as a workroom and 
study for one of the assistants), and, in an extension (con- 
structed in 1881, at the cost of Mr. William Thaw, with the 
exception of five hundred dollars contributed by Dr. C. G. 
Hussy), a sleeping-room, a small workshop, an alcove fitted 
up with a cabinet of shelves and drawers for instruments, and 
the "dark room," or physical laboratory. The latter is pro- 
vided with two stone tables, on which are mounted galvanome- 
ters of great delicacy, and three stone piers in line with each 
other, on which are placed various instruments for researches 
in solar physics, which do not form part of the equipment 
proper of the Observatory. The principal of these, the spectre- 
bolometer (constructed from designs of the director for the 
study of invisible radiations), stands in the centre of the room, 
and receives sunlight through an aperture in the north wall 
from the mirror of a large Foucault siderostat. 

This last important instrument is placed upon a pier of 
masonry outside the building, but connected with it by a plat- 
form, and protected from the weather by a "rolhng house." It 
carries a twelve-inch optically plane silvered glass mirror, by 
Clarke, and was made by Hilger of London. It is in constant 
use. 

The equatorial is mainly used in the study of the sun's sur- 
face, of which daily drawings on a scale of eight inches to the 
solar diameter have been made for several years ; but for lack 
of hands, these are at present (April, 1884) discontinued. 
Besides these drawings, others on a much larger scale have 
been made, on favorable occasions, by the aid of the polarizing 
eye-piece. The larger part have never been published, but 



lS2 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

some of them have furnished valuable information in regard to 
the minute structure of the solar photosphere. 

Researches upon the relative thermal, luminous, and actinic 
intensities of different parts of the sun's disk, have been car- 
ried on with thermopiles and special optical devices ; and these 
are now being greatly extended by the use of the new bolomet- 
ric and spectroscopic apparatus. 

In 1879 the director, finding himself unable to proceed 
farther in certain investigations without the aid of a more 
delicate heat-measuring apparatus than any then constructed, 
devised and perfected an instrument called the bolometer, for 
the measurement of feeble radiation. With this apparatus, an 
entirely new field of observation has been opened. By its aid, 
the first accurate determination of the wave-lengths of points 
in the extreme infra-red spectrum has been made, and the 
quantitative distribution of energy throughout the spectrum 
has been measured. The nature of atmospheric absorption, 
both for the solar and terrestrial envelope, has been partly 
elucidated, and definite measurements of the effect of certain 
atmospheric constituents have been made. 

The library of the Observatory now contains about fifteen 
hundred volumes ; but this is still very insufficient, as this num- 
ber must take the place, to this Observatory, of all the great 
public libraries, belonging to cities elsewhere, to which other 
observatories have access. 

A mention of the Observatory's work would be incomplete 
without some account of its system of time-distribution intro- 
duced by its present director in 1869. Previous to that date, 
time had been sent in occasional instances from American 
observatories for public use, but in a temporary or casual man- 
ner. The Allegheny system, inaugurated in that year, is 
believed to be the parent of the present ones used in this 
country, in that it was, so far as is known, the first regular and 
systematic system of time-distribution to railroads and cities 
adopting it as an official standard. Two especially constructed 
lines of telegraph connect with the municipal offices in Pittsburg 
and Allegheny, with the telegraph-lines of the Western Union 
Telegraph Company, and with the private lines of the railroads. 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 183 

A turret-clock in the city-hall of Pittsburg has been pro- 
vided with electric mechanism, which enables it to be regulated 
from the Observatory, so that its movement may be made syn- 
chronous with that of the principal mean-time standard there, 
which is itself corrected by nightly observations. 

The electric mechanism of the distant turret-clock causes a 
stroke upon a heavy bell above the summit of the tower to be 
given with exact precision at the first second of every third 
hour, so that it is audible throughout the city. The mechanism 
of the same turret-clock is arranged so that the pendulums of 
clocks in any distant police, fire-alarm, or other municipal offices, 
can be controlled by it, and compelled to move synchronously 
with its own ; and at the same time it can, if desired, automati- 
cally report its own time upon the electric recording-apparatus 
at the Observatory. The automatic signals of the Observatory 
clock are rendered audible in these ofBces, and in the still more 
distant stations along the lines of the railways, by simple pieces 
of telegraphic apparatus known as " sounders," which are placed 
beside their own regulating-clocks, and enable them to give 
these latter an astronomical precision. The private lines of 
the railroads carry these beats over the country from New York 
upon the east to Chicago upon the west, and from Erie upon 
the northern lakes to Baltimore in the south. Over forty asso- 
ciated railroad companies are thus not only in permanent elec- 
tric connection with the Observatory, but, their managers 
having adopted its time as the official standard, their employees 
are instructed to make regular comparisons with it ; and for this 
purpose, during a certain time every day the ordinary transmis- 
sion of time ceases, while the wires are engaged in transmitting 
the beats of the Observatory clock. 

To enumerate all the different railroads thus adopting the 
Observatory time, would be too long ; but to give an idea of the 
early extent and use which has been made of it, it may be men- 
tioned that in 1872 these were grouped into three systems, — 
the Southern, including originally seven railroad companies, 
and extending 1,150 miles; the Eastern, including seventeen 
associated companies, 2,000 miles ; and the Northern, including 
eighteen companies, 1,563 miles. This aggregate of 4,713 Eng- 



1 84 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY, 

lish miles did not even at that time represent the whole use of 
the Observatory by railroad companies, since only those which 
have officially instructed their employees to adopt its time as 
their standard were included in this estimate. 

Over the network of railroad lines uniting the Atlantic, 
through the Middle States, with the Western lakes, all trains 
are moved, and all business carried on, by time primarily derived 
from a single clock, whose beats, by the repeating instruments 
of the telegraph lines, are virtually made audible at least once 
a day over a considerable part of the country. The advantages 
of so simple and accessible means of regulating the traffic 
through a large portion of the continent, are obvious ; and as 
it is not only of important advantage in other respects to the 
companies employing it, but by diminishing the chances of 
accident in travelling to contribute largely to the public safety, 
the Observatory has seen with pleasure the use made of it in 
this interesting application of the processes of an exact science 
to the general welfare, the more as it is in no way incompatible 
with the steady pursuit of other and purely scientific duties. 

For the benefit of any future writer of the history of the 
subject, it may be stated, that in 1870 the Observatory had 
already in extended operation the system of time-distribution 
above described; that about 1873 the director at Cambridge, 
after conference with the writer, introduced substantially the 
same provisions for connecting Harvard College Observatory 
with the New-England roads ; and that about the same time the 
Washington Observatory, which had previously sent signals in 
a limited and desultory manner, commenced to do so in emula- 
tion of the new system. 

More recently, observatories all over the country have intro- 
duced like connections, in many instances directly seeking 
information as to the system first introduced here. 

While ordinary observations of precision are not neglected, 
the present director, considering the advantage of giving partic- 
ii ular attention to some one portion of astronomical science, has 
aimed to make the Observatory principally useful in physical 
astronomy, and particularly in solar researches. To this fruit- 
ful field of labor, its work is likely to be given chiefly, in the 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 1 85 

future as in the past ; but it is growing increasingly difficult to 
carry on such investigations in a site now more than half ringed 
about with manufactories, and the removal of the Observatory 
to a purer air will soon become a necessity. Already, in 1881, 
the prosecution of the most important research became impos- 
sible from this cause ; and a special expedition was undertaken 
from the Observatory to the summit of Mount Whitney in the 
Sierra Nevada, to complete it. The principal means for the 
instrumental outfit were furnished by Mr. William Thaw of 
Pittsburg ; but very essential aid in transportation was ob- 
tained from the War Department through Gen. W. B. Hazen, 
chief signal-officer of the United-States Army, under whose 
official direction it proceeded in the writer's charge. A full 
account of the means and results of this expedition will appear 
this year (1884), in a volume printed at the Government Press. 
As no publication fund has ever been created, the Observa- 
tory has never published any annals, and the results of its 
most important original researches or discoveries are to be 
chiefly found in communications to scientific journals. Of 
these the principal are, — 

1S73. "The Solar Photosphere," — Proceedings of the American Associa- 
tion/or the Advancement of Science^ August^ 1^13' 

1874. " On the Minute Structure of the Solar Photosphere." — American 

Journal of Scieitce, February, iSj^.. 

1875. "On the Comparison of Certain Theories of Solar Structure with 

Observation." — American Journal of Science, vol. ix., March, 
iS75- 

1875. "On the Comparison of Certain Theories of Solar Structure with 
Observation." — Estratto dalle Meinorie degli spettroscopisti 
Italiani, vol. iv. 

1875. " Sur la temperature relative des diverses regions du soleil. Pre- 
miere partie : Les noyaux noirs des taches." — Comptes Rendus 
de V Academic des Sciences, vol. 80, 18 j^. 

1875. " Sur la temperature relative des diverses rt5gions du soleil. Deuxi^me 
partie : Region dquatoriale et regions polaires." — Comptes Ren- 
dtcs de lA cademie des Sciences, vol. 80, 18"/ 3. 

1875. " Etude des radiations superficielles du soleil." — Comptes Rendus de 
r A cademie des Sciences, September, 18 JS- 

1875. "The Solar Atmosphere, an Introduction to an Account of Re- 
searches made at the Allegheny Observatory." — American Jour- 
nal of Science, vol. X., Supplement N(f. — , /<?7J. 



1 86 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

1876, " Measurement of the Direct Effect of Sun-spots on Terrestrial 

Climates." — Astronomical Societfs Monthly Notices, Novem- 
ber, 1S76. 

1877. " Nouvelle Mdthode spectroscopique." — Comptes Rendus de FAca- 

demie des Sciences, May, iSyy. 

1877. " On the Possibihtyof Transit Observation without Personal Error." — 

American Jour7ial of Science, vol. xiv., yuly, iSyj. 

1878. " On the Janssen Solar Photograph and Optical Studies." — Ameri- 

can yotirnal of Science, vol. xv., April, i8y8. 

1878. "Transit of Mercury of May 6, 1878." — American Journal of 
Science, vol. xv., June, i8yS. ■ 

1878. "On Certain Remarkable Groups in the Lower Spectrum." — Pro- 
ceedings American Academy of Arts a7id Sciences, October, j8y8. 

1878. " On the Temperature of the Sun." — Proceedings American Academy 
of A rts and Sciences, October, i8y8. 

1880. "Observations on Mount Etna." — American Journal of Science, 
vol. — , July, 1880. 

1 880. " The Bolometer." — A inerican Metrological Society, December, 1880. 

1881. "The Bolometer and Radiant Energy." — Proceedings American 

Academy of Arts and Sciences, January, 188 1. 
1881. "The Actinic Balance." — American Journal of Science, vol. xxi., 

March, 1881. 
1881. " Sur la distribution de I'dnergie dans le spectre solaire normal." — 

Comptes Rendus de I Academic des Sciences, Mars, 188 1. 

1881. " Distribution de I'energie dans le spectre normal." — Comptes Ren- 

dus de V Academic des Sciences, Juillet, 188 1. 

1882. "The Mount Whitney Expedition." — yVa/zrrr^, Aug. 3, 1882. 

1882. "La distribution de I'dnergie dans le spectre normal." — y^««. de 

Chifnie et de Physique, February, 1882. 
1882. " Observations du spectre solaire." — Comptes Rendus de VAcadimie 

des Sciences, September, 1882. 
1882. "Sunlight and Skylight at High Altitudes." — A^'rti^^r^, Oct. 12, 1882. 
1882. "Sunlight and Skylight at High h\C\\\x^fi>:' — P^'oceedings British 

Association at Sojithainpton. 
1882. " Sunlight and Skylight at High Altitudes." — American Journal of 

Scicfice, vol. XX iv., November, 1882. 
1882. "Observation of the Transit of Venus, 1882, Dec. 6, made at the 

Allegheny Observatory." — Monthly Notices Royal Astronomical 

Society, vol. xliii., No. 3. 

1882. "Observation of the Transit of Venus, 1882, Dec. 6, made at the 

Allegheny Observatory." — Astronomische Nachrichten, No. 24.81, 
January, 1883. 

1883. "The Selective Absorption of Solar Energy." — ^w^rzV«« Journal 

ofSciefice, vol. xxv., March, 1883, and London, Edinburgh Phil 
Magazine. 



HISTORY OF THE ALLEGHENY OBSERVATORY. 1S7 

iSSj. "Die auswahlende Absorption der Energie der Sonne." (Same in 

German.) — Wiedonann Annalen, April, iSSj. 
1883. " Sur I'absorption selective de I'energie solaire." (Same in French.) 

— Ann. de Chim. et de Phys., September, 188 j. 

1883. " The Spectrum of an Argand Burner." — Science, yu?te I, /88j. 

1884. "On the Determination of Wave-lengths in the Infra-red Spectrum." 

— American Journal of Science, vol. xxvi., March, 1884., and 
London, Edinburgh, arid Dublin Philos. Magazine for March. 

It will appear from all that has preceded, that, in the fifteen 
years since the first equipment, the Observatory has not been 
inactive ; and it may perhaps be felt that the results it has 
reached, and the work it has accomplished, have been such as 
the citizens of the great industrial centres in which it is 
placed have cause to regard as not discreditable to them. 

I must recall in this connection the regrettable fact, that, in 
these wealthy cities, there are not only no museums of art, no 
libraries of reference, no collections of scientific material, but 
in general, none of those aids to the investigator which are to 
be found in so many younger and smaller places ; so that an 
observatory (which lives among such things as its natural 
medium, and depends upon their association) has here to 
furnish out of its own means almost every thing outside of 
its actual apparatus that the ordinary resources of American 
civilization would provide for it in any large American city 
but Pittsburg. 

This Observatory is an exotic in this community ; and that it 
has been maintained at all during the time I have mentioned, 
might be, perhaps, supposed to be due to the fact that it 
represents the sole local channel for contribution to science, 
in return for those practical results of science on which the 
prosperity of an industrial community is founded. 

But during these fifteen years it should be better known 
than it is, not only that its existence has been a constant 
struggle with poverty (its income has at no time till within the 
past year reached one-fifth that of other American observato- 
ries whose reputation abroad is similar) but that this long 
struggle, during which it has been forced to earn the means to 
carry on its researches, has never brought it (always with 



1 88 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

exceptions already gratefully noted) the contribution of a 
single dollar from an individual in the community in which it 
exists. 

It may perhaps be said that this fact is not publicly known ; 
and that it need only be known, to be a fact no longer. 

As I now remain in charge of the Observatory from affec- 
tion to the place, and my pursuits there, rather than from 
interest, I can speak freely, and yet the more so, that I remem- 
ber such constant personal kindness as I have experienced in 
this community. 

I could wish, then, to see better evidence of the community's 
liberality in the future toward this Observatory, for the com- 
munity will continue, I hope, to have cause to think it a subject 
of just local pride ; and I can hardly be wrong in speaking 
with this frankness to respected citizens of Pittsburg and 
Allegheny, who are interested, not only in its past, but in its 
future. 

S. C. LANGLEY, 

Director of the Observatory. 
Allegheny, April i, 1884. 



FACTORIES. 



GLOBE PLOW WORKS. 191 



GLOBE PLOW WORKS. 



The history ot the plough is interesting as well as instruc- 
tive. Ancient writers, both sacred and profane, speak of it as a 
well-known implement of agriculture, and frequently illustrate 
their meaning by reference to its use. Job, in his writings, 
1520 B.C., says, "They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, 
reap the same," 

In Prov. xxi. 4, Solomon the Wise also says, " The plowing 
of the wicked is sin." 

The ancient plough was a crotched limb of a tree, and fre- 
quently fashioned out of the body and root of a sapling. To 
this, the beam was firmly bound with leather thongs or tough 
wooden withs. 

These primitive implements were made of three pieces, — 
the beam, handle, and a naturally crooked piece of wood set 
in the beam, the lower end forming the share, a brace connect- 
ing the whole. Iron ploughs, however, were evidently made, 
and in use, at a very early day. 

The quotations above referred to would have had equal force, 
even if there had been no ploughs other than those made en- 
tirely of wood ; but the prophet Joel, 800 B.C., would hardly 
have used the words, " Beat your plowshares into swords," if 
the people of that early day would not understand the meaning, 
and certainly could not have done so if metal ploughs had not 
been in general use. A complete history of the plough can 
never be written ; its use ante-dates all records ; nor is it prac- 
ticable, within the limited space at our disposal, to describe the 
various improvements in form or mode of manufacture, that 
have from time to time been made during the present century. 



192 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

It is but fair to say, that the most valuable improvements in 
this direction have been made in the United States. 

It is said that Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the 
United States, effected an important improvement in the 
plough. In his correspondence with the French Institute, he 
laid down scientific and intelligible rules for shaping the same ; 
and his theory he practically tested by having several ploughs 
made in accordance with his patterns, and using them profi- 
tably on his farms in Virginia as early as 1793. 

Charles Newbold, a farmer of New Jersey, made the first 
cast-iron plough, for which he took out letters-patent : he was, 
however, in advance of the times ; and after spending large 
sums of money in fruitless attempts to bring his improvement 
into notoriety and popular favor, he abandoned it in despair. 
Others followed closely in his wake with like sad results. 

Improvements were made in form, but the wooden mould- 
boards were in common use until the beginning of the present 
century. The cast-iron share succeeded these : then came the 
substitution of steel for those parts which came in contact 
with the soil, and were liable to wear out. Eventually a light, 
strong, durable, and cheap implement was furnished to the 
farmer. In no country in the world are so large a number, or 
so great a variety, manufactured as in the United States, for the 
simple reason, that in no other land is there so great a variety 
of soil, or so large an agricultural area, and in no other country 
has the manufacture of agricultural implements attained such 
perfection. An exemplification of this is the fact that Ameri- 
can ploughs were awarded the highest premiums at the inter- 
national exhibition, where they were practically tested. 

The Globe Plow Works were established on the south-east 
corner of Penn Street and Cecil's Alley by Samuel Hall in 
1828: they were subsequently removed in 1836 to the south- 
west corner of Ferry Lane (now Beaver Avenue) and Walnut 
Street (now Greenwood Street), Manchester, now the Fifth 
Ward of the city of Allegheny. 

In 1845 Alexander Speer became a partner in the business, 
under the name of Hall & Speer. Mr. Speer, being a practi- 
cal worker at the trade, added much to the credit and success 



GLOBE PLOW WORKS. 1 93 

of the business. Mr. Hall died in the year 1852 ; and the busi- 
ness was continued without any change of proprietors, title, or 
interest until 1858, when John S. Hall, son of the founder of 
the works, became associated with Mr. Speer in carrying on the 
enterprise. During these years the business rapidly increased, 
and the products of the works were greatly in demand through- 
out the entire south and west, and large shipments made to 
South America and the island of Cuba. 

John S. Hall died in 1873. Previous to his death, he had 
disposed of his entire interest to Mr. Speer, who subsequently 
sold an interest in the business to each of his two sons, W. W. 
Speer and Joseph T. Speer, the style of the firm being Alex- 
ander Speer & Sons. These latter gentlemen, like their father, 
had acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. 

In 1870 the works were removed to Pittsburg, to the prop- 
erty bounded by Duquesne Way, Fifth Street, Cecil's Alley, and 
the property fronting on Penn Street, The works were com- 
pleted, and ready for occupancy, the same year, and are consid- 
ered a model in the completeness of machinery, and general 
arrangement, unsurpassed by any tiding of the kind in the 
country. 

The success of the Globe Plow Works may be attributed in 
some measure to the harmony and good feeling that have always 
characterized the relations between the proprietors and their 
employees. Many of the latter have been continuously em- 
ployed for over forty-seven years. 



194 HISTORICAL GLEAXIXGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



THE FIRST ROPE-WALK. 



The first rope-walk erected west of the Allegheny Mountains, 
was established in Pittsburg in 1794, and was located on the 
ground now occupied by the Monongahela House. The busi- 
ness was carried on by Col. John Irwin and wife. 

Col. Irwin having been severely wounded in one of the bat- 
tles of the Revolutionary war (Paoli), and rendered incapable of 
attending to the details of the business, Mrs. Irwin, — a lady 
of indomitable courage and perseverance, endowed with rare 
business qualifications, — with the assistance of her son, then 
a mere lad, carried on tli§ works successfully. 

Immediately following the death of Col. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin 
gave her son an interest in the business ; and it was carried on 
under the name and style of Mary and John Irwin. 

In the year 1795 the works were removed to the square 
bounded by Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt 
Alley. In view of the increasing demand for their products, 
and confined limits of this locality, the walk was removed in 
1812 to the bank of the Allegheny River between Marbury 
Street and the point, where the entire rigging for Perry's fleet 
was manufactured. 

The increasing demands induced the junior partner to con- 
sider seriously the project of erecting works on a more exten- 
sive scale. 

Mrs. Irwin, on account of her age, and loss of health, resolved 
to quit business, in view of which she disposed of her interest to 
her son, who, in accordance with his preconceived notions on the 
subject, commenced the erection, in Allegheny, in 18 13, of one 
of the most extensive works in the West, on the ten-acre out- 



THE FIRST ROPE-WALK. 195 

lot bounded by the West Commons, Water Lane (now Western 
Avenue), out-lots Nos. 275, 29, and 30. It was known and 
designated as out-lot No. 276 in the " Reserve Tract opposite 
Pittsburg." 

The contract for building the works was awarded to William 
Delworth, sen. 

Mr. Irwin successfully carried on the business until Jan. i, 
1835, when he associated with him his son Henry, under the 
name of John Irwin & Son. This firm leased for a term of 
years, from Harmar Denny, out-lot No. 275, over which they 
extended their walk to within one hundred feet of Allegheny 
Avenue. In 1847 they became the purchasers. 

In the month of July, 1836, a disastrous fire occurred in the 
factory, resulting in its entire destruction ; and after it had been 
rebuilt, it was again destroyed by fire in the same month. It 
was again rebuilt, and the business carried on until 1858, when 
the firm dissolved, and the business at this point abandoned. 
In 1847 John Irwin, jun., became a partner, and the name of 
the firm was changed to John Irwin & Sons. 

In 1862 Messrs. Fulton, Bollman, & Co., of which Mr. John 
Irwin, sen., was a member, succeeded the firm of John Irwin & 
Sons, and commenced the erection of new works on Smoky 
Island, to which the machinery, etc., of the abandoned works 
was removed. 

These works had but a brief existence. The business of 
manufacturing had scarcely commenced ere it took fire, and was 
entirely consumed. This closed the connection of Mr. John 
Irwin, sen., with the business. Subsequently Mr. A. M. Mar- 
shall became associated with Messrs. Fulton & Bollman. The 
engine and machinery were removed to McKeesport, where they 
erected new works on a very extensive scale, and continued to 
do a large and profitable business up to the time it was burned 
down. From McKeesport it was removed to New Jersey. 

During the early operations of rope-making, the machinery 
was of a rather primitive pattern, and was operated by hand. 
Subsequently horse-power was introduced, which was hailed as 
quite an improvement over the old methods. 



196 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

To the rude and primitive methods of the past, now succeeds 
the modern improvements in machinery and steam-power. 

The manufacture of cordage, etc., was among the early in- 
dustries established in Pittsburg and Allegheny. And judging 
from their accessibility to the hemp-growing regions, and the 
facilities afforded for receiving the raw material, and distribu- 
tion of the manufactured product, by rail and water, one would 
reasonably suppose that it would be classed among the most 
progressive of the industries of our locality : such, however, 
has not been the fact. 

Although the profits accruing to those who have invested 
capital in the business have been remunerative, yet the manu- 
facture has not been as extensive as might be expected. 



THE FIRST GLASS-WORKS. 197 



THE FIRST GLASS-WORKS ERECTED IN ALLEGHENY 

COUNTY. 



It is generally conceded that the first building for the manu- 
facture of green glass was erected on the South Side, in 1797, 
by Gen. James O'Hara and Major Isaac Craig, prominent and 
enterprising men of that early day. The works were located 
at the base of Coal Hill, fronting on the Ohio River, immedi- 
ately opposite the confluence of the Allegheny and Mononga- 
hela, on property purchased from Ephraim Jones and Ephraim 
Blaine, extending from the river-front to the crest of the hill. 
The discovery of the great coal-seam underlying the hills south 
of the Monongahela, determined the location at this point. 
The proprietors engaged the services of Peter William Eich- 
baum of the Schuylkill Glass -Works, near Philadelphia, to 
superintend the construction of the works. They were com- 
pleted, and commenced blowing glass, in 1797. These works 
are still standing, and have been successfully carried on for the 
manufacture of window-glass, etc., up to the present time (1884) 
by the succeeding firms of Fred Lorenz, William McCully & Co., 
Lorenz & Wightman, and Thomas Wightman & Co., respec- 
tively. It was alleged by one of the original projectors, that, 
before the first bottle was made, the sum of thirty thousand 
dollars had been expended. 

The manufacture of glass has steadily increased in impor- 
tance and profit up to the present time, with intervals of de- 
pression in common with other industries, and is now one of 
the leading staples of Pittsburg. But little was known of the 
coal-deposits in the adjacent hills until the establishment of 



1)8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

these works. The stratum dips towards the south, and at this 
point attains an altitude considerably above the level of the 
river, about 500 feet, and is about 100 feet below the crest of 
the hill. Because of the want of knowledge of this fact, ex- 
plorations were confined to the 12-inch seam at the base of the 
hill, thereby overlooking the 5-foot seam near the summit : from 
the latter the works were supplied with fuel for many years, from 
an opening in the hill directly in the rear of the works, delivered 
in one-horse skids containing ten bushels ; Major Craig having 
subsequently withdrawn from the firm. Gen. O'Hara com- 
menced the enlargement of the works with a view to the man- 
ufacture of flint glass : this not proving successful, what is 
now justly deemed one of the great industries to which the 
rise and prosperity of our vicinity is indebted, had to be 
abandoned. 

Subsequent to the date of the establishment of the works 
above described, Messrs. Denny and Beelen commenced the 
erection of glass-works on the north side of the Allegheny. It 
was located on the bank of the Ohio River, opposite the head 
of AUiquippa Island (now called Brunot's), on out-lot No. 15 of 
the Reserve Tract, near the mouth of Island Lane (now Wash- 
ington Street). At this point the current of the river is swift, 
and difficult for navigation, and is generally known by river- 
men as "Glass-house Ripple." The factory went into operation 
about the beginning of the present century, under the superin- 
tendence of La Fluer (commonly called "Falure"), a native of 
France, who came to this country expressly to take charge of it. 
It was, however, after a brief existence, abandoned, on account 
of the difficulty in obtaining the necessary supply of fuel. 

La Fluer was afterwards employed at the works of Messrs. 
O'Hara and Craig, and was subsequently drowned in the Ohio 
River immediately in front of the works, in the attempt to ford 
the stream from the Gravel Bar below the point of Pittsburg. 
He left a widow and several children. Mrs. La Fluer resided 
for many years on the north-east corner of out-lot No. 12 and 
Ferry Lane (now Beaver Avenue), the dividing line between 
out-lots Nos. II and 12 being also the dividing line between the 
borough of Manchester and McClure township. 



THE FIRST IRON ROLLING MILL. 199 



THE FIRST IRON ROLLING MILL ERECTED IN THE 
CITY OF ALLEGHENY. 



The Juniata Rolling Mill was built on the lot extending 
from Robinson Street along the west side of Darragh Street 
to the Allegheny River, at the former outlet of the Pennsyl- 
vania Canal, by Sylvanus Lothrop, James Anderson, and Henry 
Blake, in the years 1826 and 1827. Mr. Blake sold his interest 
to Capt. William Stewart, and removed to Greenup County, 
Ky., having there purchased two furnaces and a forge from 
the Messrs. Shreves. Messrs. Lothrop, Anderson, and Stewart 
sold out their interest in 1834' to John Bissell, William Mor- 
rison, and Edward W. Stephens. 

The mill, having been constructed for the exclusive use of 
Juniata blooms, was extended by the latter firm to the manu- 
facture of iron by the puddling and boiling process, and was the 
first boiling-furnace erected in Allegheny County. Here, too, 
was also erected the first coffee-mill squeezer, under the personal 
superintendence of the patentee, Mr. Burden of New York. 

The manufacture of iron, nails, and steel of the lowest grade, 
was successfully carried on by the latter firm and their success- 
ors, until the year 1859, when the site becoming too limited for 
the growing demands of the trade, and the war of the Rebel- 
lion threatening in the near future, it was deemed advisable to 
dismantle the works, and wind up the business. The machinery 
was sold to Messrs. Reis, Brown, Berger, and James Ward, and 
was removed to Niles, Ohio. 

The above items of information were obtained from William 
S. Bissell, Esq., who had charge of the Juniata Rolling Mill for 
nearly sixteen years. 



200 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



PAPER-MILL. 



One of the important branches of industry, and the first of 
the kind established north of the Allegheny River, was the 
paper manufactory erected by Hind & Howard on the bank of 
the Ohio River, on part of out-lot No. 20 in the Reserve Tract 
opposite Pittsburg, which is now embraced within the limits of 
the Fifth Ward of the city of Allegheny. It was commenced in 
the fall of 1 83 1, completed, and made ready to commence ope- 
rations, in the following spring. This, however, was rendered 
impracticable by the entire demoralization of the building, 
machinery, etc., of the new enterprise by the disastrous flood 
in the rivers, of the loth of February, 1832. By the prompt 
and energetic measures adopted by the firm in repairing dam- 
ages, they were enabled after a brief delay to again commence 
operations. 

It was the intention of the proprietors to manufacture what 
is termed laid writing-paper, in all its varieties. This they prac- 
tically abandoned in 1837 in consequence of the impurities of 
the water used in the manufacture. 

In this year Mr. Hind disposed of his interest to Mr. Levi 
Howard, the brother of his partner ; and the business continued 
under the name and style of James Howard & Co. 

The new firm proceeded to introduce into their mill the latest 
and most approved machinery, in order to enter largely into the 
manufacture of wall and wrapping paper. 

In 1854 the mill was partially destroyed by fire: it was re- 
built, and was again partially destroyed in 1857. It was again 
repaired, and in 1871' was totally destroyed. These repeated 
disasters so discouraged the proprietors, that they abandoned 
the further prosecution of the business. 

* Pattersons' saw-mill was also destroyed on these several occasions. 



ALLEGHENY GAS GOMPANY. 201 



ALLEGHENY GAS COMPANY. 



This company was organized under a charter granted by the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approved March 29, 1852, with 
a capital of ^100,000 divided into 4,000 shares, of the par value 
of twenty-five dollars, and has been in successful operation to 
the present time (1881). It was originally located on the north- 
west corner of Water Lane, now Western Avenue, and Pasture 
Lane, now Irwin Avenue, being part of out-lot No. 266,' having 
a frontage of 18 1.4 J feet on Pasture Lane by 200 feet on Water 
Lane. 

In view of the unsuitable nature of the location, it was, in 
the year i860, removed to Bank Lane, now South Avenue, on 
part of out-lot No. 24. 

Over fifty miles of gas-mains have been laid, and the number 
of public lamps in operation in the city approximates twelve 
hundred. 

The following commissioners were appointed, under the Act 
of incorporation, to open books, etc. : — 



William Robinson, Jun. William Walker. 

John Price. George R. Riddle. 

H. Childs. Robert B. Mowry. 

Alexander Cameron. John Fleming. 

Samuel Wickersham. John Irwin. 

John T. Logan. James Marshall. 

JosiAH King. Jacob Painter. 

James Park, Jun. William Coleman. 

Charles Avery. Thomas F. Dale. 



202 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



MANAGERS AND OFFICERS ELECTED IN 1852. 

Thomas F. Dale, M.D., President. James Park, Jun. 

H. Childs. Robert Dalzell. 

H. P. Schwartz. James Marshall. 

John T. Logan. R. H. Davis. 
Jacob Painter. 

R. H. Davis, Secreta7y and Treasurer. Lemuel H. Davis, Contractor. 
H. P. Gemgembre, Architect and Superintendent. 

These works were erected at a cost of ^101,784.53, exclusive 
of $6,000 paid for the real estate, making the entire expenditure 
;^ 1 07, 784. 5 3. 

The capital stock was subsequently increased to $250,000, 
then to $500,000, and finally to $800,000; that is to say, 32,000 
shares at $25, the present capital. 

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1881. 

James McCutcheon, President. James Lockhart. 

H. M. Boyle, Vice-President. Hugh McNeill. 

Addison Lysle, Secretary. James Marshall. 

William Walker. James Richey, Jun., Treasurer, 

Hay Walker. Robert Young, Superintendent. 

L. McIntosh. 

The company has in successful operation two gasometers : 
the Eastern has a capacity of 196,000 cubic feet ; the West- 
ern, 100,000 cubic feet. In order to supply the increasing 
demand, the latter has recently been reconstructed by increas- 
ing the depth of the pit, and erecting an entire new telescopic 
holder with a capacity of 225,000 cubic feet, thus making the 
entire capacity 421,000 cubic feet. 



CEMETERIES. 



THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE IN ALLEGHENY, 205 



THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE IN ALLEGHENY. 



The first place known to be appropriated by common con- 
sent of the early citizens for the burial of the dead, was the 
"Potter's Field," located on the northern slope of what was 
then known as "Hog-back Hill," immediately in the rear of 
the present building of the Western Theological Seminary. 

After the grant to the seminary, it took the more eupho- 
nious title of "Seminary Hill;" but since the erection of the 
Soldiers' Monument on its crest, it has assumed the appropriate 
name of " Monumental Hill." 

In this once humble locality, about fifty feet from the base 
of the hill, surrounded by a clump of young forest-trees, many 
of the early inhabitants of the North Side were interred, of 
which, unfortunately, there is no record or chiselled stone to 
mark their humble resting-place. 

The excavation caused by the opening of Marshall Street 
along the base of the hill, left exposed the remains of those 
buried in the " Potter's Field : " they were carefully collected, 
and disposed of elsewhere. 

In pursuance of a petition of a portion of the commoners in 
November, A.D. 1825, the Legislature passed an Act approved 
March 17, A.D. 1827, confirming the title of the seminary to all 
that portion of the common ground lying south of Ridge 
Avenue between Marion and Irwin Avenues, extending to the 
southern boundary of the same, including a large portion of 
the hill, and containing about eighteen acres : the grant, how- 
ever, was considered doubtful, as many of the commoners had 
refused their consent. It was subsequently abrogated, and 



206 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

the same vested in the city by the Act of the Legislature 
approved March 26, 1867, creating the commission for the im- 
provement of the common grounds, except the part laid off in 
lots fronting on Ridge Avenue, extending back to Marshall 
Street, which had been previously disposed of by the city on 
perpetual lease. 

Subsequent to the abandonment of the " Potter's Field," 
the citizens with commendable zeal determined to provide a 
more suitable and convenient place for the disposition of the 
dead, in view of which another portion of the common ground 
was selected, bounded on the east by Sherman Avenue (for- 
merly Webster Street), on the south by a line corresponding 
with the northern line of Stockton Avenue, on the west by 
Marion Avenue, and on the north by a line corresponding with 
the southern line of Water Alley (now Park Way), 

This constituted the only place for the interment of the dead 
for many years, and until its further use for that purpose 
was interdicted by the authorities of the city. At this period 
the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, through 
their trustee, Thomas Sample, purchased out-lot No. 251, con- 
taining ten acres, a part of which was laid out in convenient 
size burial-lots, and the balance in building-lots. Many of the 
dead from the former were removed to the latter. The nature 
of the ground, however, not proving suitable for the object 
designed, it was abandoned ; and the bodies of the dead were 
removed to Mount Union Cemetery, and the ground laid out in 
building-lots, and sold. 

The adoption of a generous system for the improvement of 
the common ground, and subsequent appointment of " Park 
Commissioners," were wise in conception, as well as glorious 
in results. 

In order to carry out in detail the proposed improvement, it 
was deemed necessary that every thing calculated to interfere, 
or mar the general harmony, should as far as practicable be 
removed. In accordance therewith, the removal of the dead 
from the old burial-ground, between Sherman and Marion 
Avenues, to Mount Union Cemetery, was accomplished to 
the entire satisfaction of all parties. 



THE ORIGINAL BURIAL-PLACE LN ALLEGHENY. 20/ 

The members of the Christian Church (Disciples) established 
a burial-ground on the north side of Jackson Street, a short 
distance west of Arch Street. It was only maintained for a 
few years, and then abandoned, as the ground proved entirely 
unsuited for the purpose. The bodies buried therein were 
removed to Mount Union Cemetery. 



208 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



MOUNT UNION CEMETERY. 



To the indomitable zeal and efforts of a number of well- 
known and enterprising citizens of Allegheny, is due the in- 
ception and establishment of this beautiful city of the dead. 
Being impressed with the need of such a place, they made 
application to the State Legislature for an Act of incorporation, 
which was granted by the Act of April 14, 1846. In the mean 
time they acquired by purchase out-lots Nos. 238, 239, situate 
on the heights north of the city (now Sixth Ward), commanding 
a view of the valleys of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Mononghela, 
unequalled in beauty and extent. 

Over a third of a century has passed away since it was 
opened for interment ; and so popular did this necropolis be- 
come, that the incorporators began to realize that additional 
territory would soon be required. 

In 1857 Hilldale Cemetery was incorporated ; and an eligible 
spot of ground, embracing out-lots Nos. 223, 224, immediately 
adjoining, was purchased, and opened for burial purposes, and 
was continued for a period of ten years, when the authorities 
of Mount Union Cemetery became the purchasers of the entire 
franchise for the sum of forty thousand dollars. Thus the two 
became merged under the name of Union Dale Cemetery. 

There is no essential difference in the nature of the soil, as 
both are situate on the slopes of adjacent hills, divided by West- 
End Avenue (formerly New-Brighton Road), by which both are 
approached. 

The soil is generally of a light sandy loam, in some places 
intermixed with fine gravel, possessing a fertility adapted to give 
strength and vitality to the exuberant growth of ornamental 



MOUNT UNION CEMETERY. 209 

trees and shrubbery, and keep the surface well covered with a 
rich coating of grass. The soil, being dry and friable, renders 
it unsurpassed for burial purposes. 

On the occasion of the consolidation, a supplementary Act 
of the Legislature was obtained, carefully prepared to meet 
the new condition of affairs ; and on the second day of April, 
A.D. 1869, the new charter was granted: and the enlarged 
territory became known to the public as the Union Dale 
Cemetery, embracing about seventy-five acres of the most 
beautifully located hill-land, the one sloping gently towards the 
north, and the other facing towards the south and west. 

Looking towards Pittsburg from the crest of Mount Union, 
a comprehensive panorama of both cities is presented to view, 
unsurpassed by any other spot in the neighborhood. From 
the Hilldale side, the view of the cities is entirely cut off, 
while the country on both sides of the Ohio delights the eye 
for several miles with a variety of scenery both lovely and 
picturesque. An additional twenty-five acres of ground adjoin- 
ing has recently been acquired, and handsomely laid out in lots 
in accordance with the general plan. 

From the time of its organization to the present, it has 
received assured evidences of popular favor ; and a reference 
had to the several Acts of the Legislature bearing upon the 
same, will prove that every desirable provision has been made 
for its protection and permanence. Its government is con- 
ducted on principles wholly unselfish, the proprietary rights 
being vested in the lot-holders. 

The land held by the corporation, and thus dedicated, can- 
not under any circumstances be disposed of for any purpose 
other than the interment of the dead ; it is made exempt 
from assessment, public taxes, or liability to levy, or execu- 
tion, for the payment of any debt. The opening of streets 
through the grounds is prohibited. It is also required, that so 
much of the funds arising out of the sale of lots as may be 
required, shall be applied to the liquidation of the purchase- 
money and the improvement of the grounds, and the residue 
shall be invested by the trustees in ground-rents, and mort- 
gages on real estate in the county of Allegheny, as a perma- 



210 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

nent fund to be used for the perpetual maintenance of the 
cemetery in proper order and security. 

By these wise and salutary provisions, it will be observed 
that the funds cannot be diverted for any other purpose than 
the purchase, improvement, and preservation of the grounds. 

There are natural as well as legal barriers against the en- 
croachment of the almost irresistible march of modern improve- 
ments which manifests itself in and around great cities. The 
"everlasting hills" combine with the plenitude of legislative 
authority to hold these grounds sacred against any innovation 
that might mar their beauty, or interfere in any way with thier 
quiet and seclusion. To the thoughtful, the refined, and the 
religious, a visit to the silent necropolis is fraught with both 
profit and pleasure. The tender care of the dead, and the 
cherishing of the memory of those who have " gone before," 
are evidences of our civilization and our Christianity. Almost 
everywhere near the centres of wealth and refinement, these 
cities of the dead have been established ; and as time rolls 
on, and the "weary pilgrims" find therein a sweet resting- 
place, these hallowed spots become more attractive and more 
sacred. 



FAMILY RECORD. 



INTRODUCTION. 



At the instance of some of the surviving members of our 
family, and particularly at the earnest request of my much- 
esteemed cousin, William M. Park, of Cornwall, Province 
Ontario, Canada, as well as the gratification of my own wishes, 
I have endeavored to compile, as far as possible, a faithful 
record of the American branch of our family. In the accom- 
plishment of the undertaking, I am largely indebted, for valu- 
able information, to the several kindred family registers and 
public records preserved intact from casualties and the ever- 
ceaseless changes of time. Many of the old records, both 
public and private, connecting the past with the present, hav- 
ing been destroyed by the great fire of the loth April, 1845, 
otherwise lost or mislaid in consequence thereof, the void occa- 
sioned thereby, if supplied at all, must necessarily be of a 
traditionary nature, the correctness of which would have been 
more fully assured had it been accomplished some years ago, 
when those now deceased were living, and could have supplied 
information which is now lost forever. 

John E. Parke. 
January, 1878. 

213 



RECORD. 



JOHN PARK and MARY ANN MAGEE, married in Pittsburg, Alleglieny 
County, Penn., 1797. The former born in Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland, 1760; 
died in Pittsburg, March 20, iSoS. The latter born in the county of Derry, 
Ireland ; died at the old homestead, on the bank of the Ohio River, now in the 
Fifth Ward, Allegheny, 1819. 

Issue. 

Clara M Born , 1798; died March 19, 1827. 

Marguerite S Born Sept. 10, 1799; died Sept. 10, 1S35. 

James C Born ; died , 1832. 

Jane M Born 1802; died Oct. 16, 1872. 

Robert M Born July 14, 1S05. 

John E Born Dec. 12, 1807. 

There were two other children, Mary and Henry, who died in infancy. 

CLARA M. PARKE and CHARLES L. ARMSTRONG, married at the 
old homestead, May 7, 1823. The latter died July 16, 1876. No issue. 

MARGUERITE S. PARKE and JONATHAN KIDD, married Nov. 5, 

1825. 

Issue. 

Caroline Matilda Born Aug. 7, 1826; died Sept. 13, 1826. 

Amanda Malvena Born Aug. 7, 1S27; died May 6, 1828. 

Clara H Born March 3, 1829; died Dec. 31, 1836. 

Mary Evaline Born June 12, 1S30; died Dec. 31, 1836. 

Clarence N Born Nov. n, 1S31 ; died March 29, 1848. 

Jane H Born July 31,1833; died Aug. 14.1833. 

JAMES C. PARKE and JANE MATHEWS, married in Pittsburg. Issue, 
three children, — a son and two daughters. Parents and children all dead. 

JANE M. PARKE and ROBERT A. EVANS, married in Pittsburg, 1832. 
The latter born Dec. 2, 1809; died in Allegheny, Sept. 20, 1862. 

Issue. 

Henry Born Aug. 21, 1832; died July 2, 1833. 

Roberta Bom Dec. 2,1833; died Jan. 30,1837. 

Mary P Born Dec. 25, 1835; died Jan. 21, 1S52. 

Annie W Born June 2, 1839. 

215 



2l6 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ANNIE W. EVANS and JOHN L. RENO, married in Trinity Church, 
Pittsburg, Nov. 2, 1859. 

Issue. 

Robert E Born Oct. 7, i860. 

Lewis H Born Nov. 6, 1861 ; died Feb. 2, 1870. 

Annie Eliza Born March 9, 1864. 

Jane P Born Jan. 23, 1867. 

ROBERT M. PARKE and JANE W. MILLER, married Dec. 20, 1S26. 
The latter born June 10, 1809. 

Issue. 

John Wesley Born Oct. 9, 1829; died Jan. 6, 1861. 

Henry L Born April 10, 1831 ; died July 12, 1S69. 

Marian Wallace Born July 11, 1834; died April 30, 1857. 

Helen Marr Born Jan. 10, 1836. 

Charles Wesley Born Oct. 4, 1838; died April 4, i860. 

Emma Jane Born Nov. 15, 1841 ; died Jan. 10, 1847. 

Marguerite K Born June 8, 1844. 

JOHN W. PARKE and MARIA AGGY, married March 13, 1851, in the 
borough of Manchester, now city of Allegheny. Issue, five children, — three sons 
and two daughters. Deceased, one son and one daughter. 

HENRY L. PARKE and ELVIRA GREENLEE, married April 25, 1855, 
in the city of Allegheny. No issue. 

MARGUERITE K. PARKE and HENRY L. KEAGGY, married June 19, 
1865, in the city of Allegheny. Issue, two sons and one daughter. 

HELEN M. PARKE and WILLIAM W. ANDERSON, married Feb. 19, 
1857, in Allegheny. The latter born in Belfast, Ireland, 1S31. 

Issue. 

Henry Parke Born , 1857. 

Alexander V Bom , 1S59. 

William W Born ; died in infancy, aged 

Jane M Born , 1862 ; [8 months. 

Fannie W Born , 1865. 

Charles Phillips Born , 1868. 

JOHN E. PARKE and JANE HANNEN, married Dec. 9, 1828, in the 
city of Allegheny. The latter was born Feb. 4, 1811 ; the former as above stated. 

Issue. 

William C Bom Oct. 26, 1829; died Dec. 15, 1830. 

Edwin J Born Oct. 16, 1831. 



RECORD. 21 y 

Frederick N Bom Dec. lo, 1833; died Feb. 21, 1834. 

Frederick A Born Feb. 10, 1836. 

Mary E Born Sept. 2, 1S38. 

Frank H Born Feb. 16, 1841 ; died Sept. 23, 1864. 

He was major of the Fourth Cavalry, Sixty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers ; was wounded at the battle of Reams Station, on the Weldon 
Railroad, Virginia, Aug. 23, 1864; died at Philadelphia, as above; buried in 
Mount Union Cemetery, city of Allegheny. 

Henry D Born June 28, 1843; died Nov. 14, 1845. 

Clarence C Born Sept. 19, 1847. 

Charles L Born July 19, 1850; died Dec. 5, 1866. 

He was killed on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne, and Chicago Railway, at 
Alliance, Ohio ; buried in Mount Union Cemetery. 

Robert M Born Oct. ' 19, 1852. 

George B Born Dec. 3, 1855. 

EDWIN J. PARKE and MARY W. DUNHAM, married in the town of 
Bedford, Aryahogo County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1855. The latter was born April 28, 

1833. 

Issiie. 

Josephine D Born Aug. 5, 1857. 

Mary E Born July 11, 1870. 

Edwin Born April i, 1876. 

MARY E. PARKE and J. S. MORRIS, married July 8, 1858, in New 

Brighton, Beaver County, Penn. 

I 

Isstte. 

John P Born May 21, i860; died Jan. 28, 1862. 

Frederick S Born Nov. 16, 1862. 

CLARENCE C. PARKE and ELLA KEECH, married Dec. 22, 1869, in 
the city of Mansfield, Ohio. 

Issiie. 
Emma H Born May 8, 1871. 

ROBERT M. PARKE and LILLIE L. HOUSE, married Dec. 25, 1876, in 
the city of Toledo, Ohio. The latter born Oct. 27, 1857. 

Issue. 

John E., jun Born Nov. 4, 1877. 

Frank H Bom March 12, 1879. 



2l8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

JOHN PARK and ELIZABETH CAMP, married in Pittsburg, 1821. The 
former born in Pittsburg, 17S9, and died in Allegheny, Aug. 13, 1868. The latter 
born in Norfolk, Va., June 22, 1801 ; died in Allegheny, March 25, 1875. 

A Memento. — To record the merits of the departed soldier may be con- 
sidered at all times just and proper. The subject of this brief sketch, John 
Park, was born in Pittsburg, in the year 17S9, and resided in Allegheny County 
all his life. He was actively engaged in mechanical pursuits, and, in early life, 
connected himself with the Pittsburg Blues, one of the first military organiza- 
tions in Allegheny County. On the breaking out of the war of 18 12,' the com- 
pany, by unanimous consent, tendered their services to the General Govern- 
ment, were accepted, and immediately ordered into active service. The troops, 
under the command of Capt. James R. Butler and Lieut. Matthew Magee, 
embarked in boats at Pittsburg, for a point on the Ohio River, late in the 
autumn of 181 2, thence to march over-land to join the North-western army 
under Gen. William H. Harrison, then engaged in repelling the assaults of the 
combined forces of the British and Indians, under Gen. Proctor and Tecumseh. 

Mr. Park's bravery as a soldier was fully and satisfactorily assured during 
the memorable siege of Fort Meigs, and at the battle of Mississinewa. He 
was wounded at the former, May 5, 1813, whilst engaged in a sortie ordered to 
dislodge the enemy from a position extremely annoying to the garrison. 

Those who knew him best could not fail to recognize the gallant soldier, 
ever ready to assume the responsibilities and dangers attendant upon a faithful 
and fearless discharge of his military duties. He responded with alacrity to 
every assignment of duty, and entered upon the work with all the energy of his 
nature. In one so brave, we naturally look for a noble soul and a generous 
heart. These qualifications he possessed in an eminent degree, which rendered 
him exceedingly popular with his officers and associates. He died in Allegheny, 
Aug. 13, 1S68, and was buried in Allegheny cemetery. 

Issue. 

Fanny B Born July 28, 1822. 

Thomas Camp Born Aug. 14, 1824. 

George Born , 1826; died in infancy. 

Clara A Born March 26, 1829. 

Sarah R Born , 1831 ; died Nov. 30, 1868. 

William H Born Oct. 16, 1833. 

Elizabeth Born , 1835; died in infancy. 

Belinda S Born April 8, 1839. 

PHILIP WILSON and FANNY B. PARK, married May 27, 1841. The 

former born in Baltimore, July 15, 181 5; died in Allegheny, Aug. 11, 1S77. The 

latter born as stated above. 

Issue. 

Cornelia C Bom May 16, 1842. 

John P Born Jan. i, 1847. 

HARRY D. RUTTON and CORNELIA C. WILSON, married in Allegheny, 

Dec. 13, 1866. The former born in Ashford, county Kent, England, April 25, 1834. 

The latter as above stated. 

' Declared June 19, 1812. 



RECORD. 219 

Issue. 
Fanny P Born Dec. 22, 1867; died Oct. 4, 1877. 

To THE Memory of Fanny. — Another tender blossom — another beau- 
tiful flower — has gone to mingle its kindred dust with our common mother 
Earth ; another young soul has gone to associate with those departed spirits who 
have " washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." 
Death has again left the impress of his cold hand upon the loving family 
circle. Within a few short weeks the aged sire — full of years, and endowed 
with the glory of Christian hope — answered the summons of his Lord and 
Master. Oh! who would not wish to have \.\\e fnale of his earthly journey 
abounding in the grace and glory of the Christian hope, and pass away in light 
and joy, and, like the falling leaves, put on the brightest robes when about to 
die ? As the brightness of the morning star is absorbed in the splendor of the 
rising sun, — as the rosy dawn brigHens into full day, — so the glorious death 
of the Christian takes away from the living the terrors of death, and leaves 
them to say, " The end of a good man is peace. Let my last end be like his." 

And now the youthful grand-child has departed on her heavenly journey. 
In recording the death of the loving and dear little Fanny, our hearts, in 
moments of sadness and deep thought, can experience no greater comfort 
than that which we find in the blessed declaration which has brought peace 
and comfort to the hearts of loving parents and friends in their grief for the 
loss of the loved ones. When first spoken, the words came forth from human 
lips, alive and tremulous with the strong love of an affectionate heart : " Suffer 
little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom 
of heaven." They are clearly heard amid all the conflicts of human passion, 
and tell us of the peace that passeth all understanding, and assure us that the 
Saviour loves our little ones. In this dispensation of providence, we humbly 
recognize the uncertainty of life, and the necessity for a preparation for that 
which is to come. The lessons of human frailty come to us by voices as 
numerous as the falling leaves. God clothes the forests and fields in all the 
beauties of exuberant life, and then lays their glories in the dust ; and all that 
live and die in the world teach us that we, too, must die. Every flower that 
fades, every leaf that withers, every return of the melancholy autumnal days, 
repeats to us the solemn sentence pronounced on all living, " Dust thou art, and 
unto dust thou shalt return." 

The teachings of the solemn lessons of our frail and transitory condition, 
let us consider with devout hearts and willing minds. Over this the prophets 
poured their inspired lamentations in ancient days ; and in every age and in 
every land it has been a subject of interest, and a sign to every heart. " We all 
do fade as the leaf." Those signs are sent us, not to make our earthly journey 
a melancholy and solemn march to the grave, but rather to create within us 
longings and preparations to meet our loved ones in the realms of a blessed 
rest, eternal at God's right hand. It requires not the pen of eulogy to herald 
forth the character of this loving child. Her kind and gentle manners 
exhibited an affectionate disposition. " To know her was to love her." 

" So fades the lovely blooming flower, 
Frail, smiling solace of an hour; 
So soon our transient comforts fly, 
And pleasures only bloom to die." 



220 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Elizabeth C Born Sept. 12, 1872. 

THOMAS C. PARK and JEMIMA WINGATE, married at Wellsbury, 
W. v., May 10, 1848, The latter died July 5, 1873. 

Issue. 
Thomas A Born April 14, 1849. 

THOMAS A. PARK and LETITIA HOWARD, married in Allegheny, 
June I, 1871. The latter born May, 1849. 

Issue. 

William Howard Born Aug. 22, 1876. 

t 
EDWARD GREGG and CLARA A. PARK, married in Allegheny, July 10, 
1849. 

Issue. 

Lizzie S Born April 26, 1850; died Oct. 26, 1850. 

EvALiNE S Born March i, i860; died March 20, 1861. 

Philip W Born Feb. 15, 1863; died Aug. 25, 1863. 



/ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



REV. WELLS BUSH NELL. 223 



REV. WELLS BUSHNELL. 

Rev. Wells Bushnell was born on the east end of Long 
Island, N.Y., April 25, 1799- His parents, Alexander and 
Sarah Wells Bushnell, were natives of the New-England 
States, both professors of Christianity, and by their earnest 
prayers and godly example endeavored to bring up their chil- 
dren in the fear of God. In 18 16 Mr. Bushnell resided in 
Pittsburg, and made a public profession of religion, and con- 
nected himself with the First Presbyterian Church, under the 
charge of Rev. Francis Herron, D.D. It was, perhaps, in the 
year 1817, that Wells Bushnell commenced working at a black- 
smith's fire as blower and striker, assisting the late A. 
Lamont, who was at that time chief blacksmith at the Alle- 
gheny Arsenal. In a short time he was able to take charge of 
a fire, and was considered a fair workman. It was while 
engaged in that occupation, that he was invited by Dr. Herron 
to drop his chosen trade, and prepare for the gospel ministry. 

After some preparatory study, he entered Jefferson College, 
where he graduated in 1823. His theological education was 
completed at Princeton Theological Seminary, after which he 
was taken under the care of the presbytery of New Brunswick, 
N.J., and licensed to preach the gospel in 1825. On the twenty- 
fifth day of April, 1826, he was united in marriage by Rev. 
Francis Herron, D.D., to Miss Eleanor Hannen, eldest daugh- 
ter of John and Elizabeth Richards Hannen. He subsequently 
severed his connection with the presbytery of New Brunswick, 
with a view to joining the presbytery of Erie. On the twenty- 
fourth day of May, 1826, his name appears upon the records 
of the latter as a licentiate. The church of Meadville having 
made a call for his pastoral labors, he was instructed to pre- 
pare his trial Sermon for ordination. He was ordained on the 
following twenty-second day of June, and regularly installed 



224 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

as pastor of the church of Meadville, on which occasion, Rev. 
Joseph Stockton, the first pastor of the church, being present, 
preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Tait delivered the charge to the 
pastor, and Rev. Johnston Eaton, the charge to the congrega- 
tion. His relation to the church continued until the twenty- 
sixth day of June, 1833, when, at his own request, it was 
dissolved, that he might go as a missionary to the Indians. 
The Western Board of Foreign Missions had been recently 
established in the city of Pittsburg; and as missions were 
about to be organized for different points among the heathen, 
Mr. Bushnell felt impelled to offer himself for the work. 
His warm and impulsive heart was moved to its depths with 
a longing desire to engage in this great enterprise. His firm 
and earnest conviction was, that the voice of his Master was 
calling him ; and therefore he resolved to sever the tie that 
bound him to a generous and loving people, to labor and toil as 
best he could for the welfare of the benighted and degraded. 
With his family he departed to the wilds of the great West. 

But he had over-estimated his strength of constitution, and 
power of endurance. With all his self-denial and earnestness, 
he experienced excessive fatigue, and prolonged sickness of 
himself and family, until he was almost exhausted. Notwith- 
standing these discouragements, he continued his labors in the 
Indian country over eighteen months, when he felt it his duty 
to return eastward. 

No doubt, his labor and self-sacrifice were approved by the 
Master, even though he was permitted to see but little fruit. 
It may, however, be truly said of him, " He hath done what he 
could." Upon leaving the Indian country, he came to New 
Albany, Ind., where his parents resided. After enjoying a 
season of rest, he received an invitation to supply the pulpit 
of the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, Ky., in the 
absence of the regular pastor. His talents and abilities as a 
Christian minister having produced a marked and favorable 
impression on the people, he was earnestly solicited to take 
charge of a new church enterprise, about springing into exist- 
ence in that city. His views, however, even at that early day, 
on the subject of slavery, were so strongly in opposition to the 



REV. WELLS BUSHAELL. 225 

institution, that he could not consistently accept the proposi- 
tion. He subsequently accepted a call from the church at 
Greensburg, Ind., in connection with a congregation at Shelby- 
ville in the same State. Here he labored for over a year and a 
half, when, in consequence of failing health, he returned to 
Pittsburg to rest and recruit. During his stay in Pittsburg, 
he accepted an invitation to supply the churches at Gravel Run 
and Cambridge, Crawford County, Penn. 

On the third day of February, 1836, at his request, his con- 
nection with the presbytery of Erie was dissolved, that he 
might connect himself with the presbytery of Indianapolis, Ind. 
Here he labored for over two years, when, on the eleventh day 
of April, 1838, he was again received into the presbytery of 
Erie; and on the eighteenth day of April, 1839, having re- 
ceived a call from the church of New Castle, Penn., he was 
transferred to the presbytery of Beaver, Penn. Here he 
labored incessantly and successfully for over fifteen years. 

About this time, a change took place in Mr. Bushnell's views 
in regard to his church relations. He was entirely dissatisfied 
with the position of the church on the question of slavery. In 
this matter, he was honest and sincere, and felt that he could 
no longer, in justice to his feelings, remain in the Presbyterian 
church. He accordingly severed his connection with the 
presbytery of Beaver, and united himself with the " Free Pres- 
byterian Church," at the same time feeling the greatest reluc- 
tance to separate himself from brethren for whom he always 
cherished a warm affection. In this new relation, he accepted 
calls from the congregations of Mount Jackson, Lawrence 
County, and New Bedford, Mercer County, Penn., in which 
capacity he labored until the close of his life. The disease 
that terminated in his death was cholera morbus. He died at 
Mount Jackson, on the sixteenth day of July, 1863, in the 
sixty-fifth year of his age, and thirty-eighth year of his ministry. 
His wife, one son, and four daughters survived him. 

Mr. Bushnell's success as a Christian minister was of the 
highest order. He possessed a warm and somewhat impulsive 
heart, and his zeal frequently obscured his better judgment. 
A co-presbyter speaks of him in the following language : " He 



226 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

was a faithful minister of Christ, an excellent preacher, and a 
watchful and kind-hearted pastor." His ministerial labors 
throughout bore evidence of his zeal and faithfulness in the 
cause of his Master. A ready mind and a determined will ren- 
dered his conclusions often premature ; but those who knew 
him best, gave him full credit for the goodness of his heart, 
and devotion to the cause to which he had dedicated his life. 
One of his elders says of him, " He was courteous and affable 
in his general intercourse as a Christian. He was zealous and 
sincere as a minister. His sermons were written carefully, 
and delivered with a force that carried conviction to the minds 
of his hearers." Firm and true to his profession, his success 
was the result of unwavering fidelity and earnest devotion. 

To the work of the ministry, he gave the energies of his 
life; and to fulfil it, he spared no labor. Kind and gener- 
ous towards all, he spent the entire strength of his nature in 
doing good, and spreading the glad tidings of salvation. These 
sterling qualities of character won for him the affection and 
esteem of all with whom he came in contact. Such a life is 
itself a lesson, and stimulates our faith in human nature and 
in the truth and efficacy of the Christian religion. Steadfast- 
ness in the faith, the memory of a well-spent life, and a con- 
science at peace with himself, sustained him to the last ; and 
truly he could say with Paul, " I have fought a good fight, I 
have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the 
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day ; and not 
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 



REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., LL.D. 22/ 



REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., LL.^, 

This well-known and honored divine was born in Sherman's 
Valley, Perry County, Penn., Feb. 6, 1787. He was educated 
at Dickinson College, graduating Sept. 25, 1808 ; was licensed 
to preach Sept. 26, 181 1 ; ordained, and installed pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church of Mercersburg, Franklin County, Penn., 
Oct. 7, 181 2. In this field, his ministerial duties continued 
for seventeen years, during which time the congregation largely 
increased and developed under his zealous labors and unremit- 
ting fostering care. He was married May 14, 18 12, to Miss 
Ann, daughter of Edward West of Landisburg, Penn. She 
was born July 7, 1787, and died July i, 1870. They had eight 
children. The first three died in infancy. Thomas H., the 
eldest, reached maturity, was educated for the medical pro- 
fession, and died in Allegheny, Nov. 25, 1875. David A. was 
also educated for the same profession : he died in Brookville, 
Penn., Dec. 6, 1866. Of the three daughters, the eldest is the 
wife of I. Patton Lyon ; the youngest, the wife of Rev. A. B. 
Lowes ; and the other one is unmarried, and makes her home 
in Canonsburg, Penn. 

In 1829 he removed to Washington, Penn., and was installed 
pastor of the Presbyterian church of that place, the duties of 
which he discharged with rare acceptance. As a pulpit orator, 
he was celebrated ; his learning, and thorough knowledge of 
theology, his rhetoric and profound logic, combined to render 
him one of the most successful preachers of his day. 

During this period he was elected by the trustees of Wash- 
ington College, president of the institution in connection with 
his pastoral charge. This position he declined, under the im- 
pression that the church required his entire time. The board, 
however, prevailed upon him to consent so far as to assume 



228 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

the duties of temporary president, and professor oi moral phi- 
losophy, until a permanent president could be secured. 

The college at this period was in a condition of complete 
prostration. To Dr. Elliott's exertions were mainly due its 
resuscitation and future prosperity. 

His connection with the church at Washington terminated 
in 1836, not by any wish of either himself or the congrega- 
tion, but rather in obedience to the call of the General Assembly 
to assume a professorship in the Western Theological Semi- 
nary in the city of Allegheny. He was personally averse to 
the change, and made it with reluctance. His congregation 
were also unanimously opposed to it, and united with the 
elders and trustees in an earnest remonstrance. His repeated 
replies of declination to the directors of the seminary were re- 
turned with renewed appeals to him, under Providence, to rescue 
the institution from its perils, and carry it forward to success. 

His compliance, therefore, was a surrender of himself to 
what he believed to be his duty, indicated by Providence, as 
expressed in the appeals of his brethren. 

His departure from Washington, as at Mercersburg, was 
viewed with regret ; and the affection which marked his inter- 
course with the people to whom he had endeared himself as 
a pastor and friend, continued during the remainder of his life. 
His work as a theological teacher, although the most important, 
successful, and far-reaching of his many callings, does not re- 
quire to be elaborated at great length. Its long continuance, his 
unceasing watching, and assiduous labor belong to the history 
of that institution. In assuming these duties, he took hold of 
them with a faithful and trusting heart. His faith soared aloft 
through the clouds of discouragement, to read the future of his 
sacrifice in the promises of a covenant-keeping God ; upon its 
altar he laid the offering of his best talents and ability : and, 
although he is dead, the institution lives to commemorate his 
efforts in its resuscitation. 

Upon his election in 1835, by the General Assembly, he 
was assigned to the professorship of church history. He was 
subsequently transferred to the chair of theology, the duties 
of which he assumed after the close of the session of the 



REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., LL.D. 229 

General Assembly of 1836, though still occupying his pulpit 
until his release in the following October, 

The latter chair he held until 1854, when, at his own sug- 
gestion, the General Assembly authorized the directors to re- 
adjust the professorships. This change met with his cordial 
approbation : he was elected to the department of polemic and 
historical theology. During the early period of his teachings, 
he depended more upon text-books, and less on lectures, than 
afterwards. His close study of the standard writers qualified 
him to impart in a clear and lucid manner their treasures to 
the pupils under his care. 

Among the achievements of his later professorship, he deliv- 
ered a full course of lectures on church government and 
pastoral theology, the fruits of his patient study and long 
experience. 

To his pupils, he was no less a trusted counsellor and friend 
than a revered teacher : with paternal care he watched over 
their interests, and sought at all times their temporal as well as 
their spiritual welfare. Their poverty or sickness, their doubts 
and fears in spiritual matters, and all embarrassing questions 
relating to their future work, found in him a ready ear and a 
sympathetic heart ; and having acquired the necessary qualifica- 
tion to fit them for the duties to which they were called, and 
gone out into the world, he was ever solicitous for their wel- 
fare, and followed them to their fields of labor with his love 
and earnest prayers. 

To his zealous efforts, great executive ability and personal 
influence in the management of the seminary, may be justly 
attributed, in a great measure, its restoration to prosperity. 
Although it had been established by the General Assembly, 
backed by public favor, and the influence of the minister of 
Christ, several important mistakes had, however, somewhat im- 
paired the confidence of the churches in its financial manage- 
ment, and inclined them to withhold, to some extent, further 
contributions. 

The lapse of ten years' experiment ; buildings unfinished ; a 
faculty incomplete in number ; an inadequate salary, relatively 
less than he had been receiving, depending solely upon the 



2;0 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



■0 



voluntary support of contributors, whose zeal had become 
weakened, — these offered but feeble inducements to one of 
his learning and foresight, in no need of assuming a position 
of so much embarrassment, except as it appealed to his sense 
of duty and faith in God. His willingness to serve under this 
condition of affairs is an honorable exponent of his character. 

To his fidelity and indomitable perseverance in contending 
with embarrassments for over fifteen years, does the Church 
owe in a great measure the preservation of the life of the insti- 
tution. By his zeal and faith he inspired the drooping energies 
of its friends, who would have probably yielded to "the force of 
circumstances had it not been for the interest he manifested in 
it. 

The steadily increasing number of the students confirmed 
the high estimation in which he was held by the friends of the 
seminary. 

Circumstances having unfortunately arisen during the year 
1840, which left him alone and without aid in the faculty, and 
for a time reduced the number of the students as well as 
increased the embarrassments, his earnest spirit and abiding 
faith in an over-ruling Providence gave him assurance of its 
continuance and final triumph. 

His first important literary production was a volume of 
" Letters on Church Government," a work of merit, and greatly 
esteemed as a masterly effort. His acknowledged talents and 
skill in this direction from the first were greatly appreciated, 
and gave him a prominence in the ecclesiastic courts of the 
highest importance. 

He was noted for his administrative ability as a pastor and 
moderator of the sessions of the church ; and no opinions were 
more favorably received than his in the sessions of the pres- 
bytery, synod, and General Assembly. 

His private as well as his ministerial character was marked 
by no selfishness : charitable in his judgment, he was indul- 
gent to the weakness and short-comings of others. Those who 
were intimate with him, admired him for the excellency of his 
character. 

As a pastor, he was firm and true to his obligations, guiding 



REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., LL.D. 23 1 

the way to consistent action, striving to do justice to all. His 
success as a theological teacher, and minister of the gospel, was 
the result of unity of purpose and perseverance. 

He died in Allegheny on the eighteenth day of March, 1874. 
We close this imperfect record of his virtues and usefulness, 
with the earnest hope " that our last end may be like his." 



232 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. JOSEPH KING. 

Rev. Joseph King was born in Kinsman, Trumbull County, 
O., July 9, 183 1. In his youth he was left without any of the 
appliances of wealth ; thrown entirely upon his own resources, 
he was subjected to many privations and severe trials ; yet nev- 
ertheless, by patience and indomitable perseverance these were 
overcome, and became the means of developing a strong char- 
acter. 

The money expended in acquiring an education was earned 
by his own efforts, in laboring on the farm, and by teaching. 

In the eighteenth year of his age, having mastered the com- 
mon branches of an English education, he entered the college 
at Bethany, W. Va., from which he received his academic degree 
of A.B. in 1855. 

His early religious training was in the tenets of the Presby- 
terian church, and he had but a limited knowledge of the Disci- 
ples, or the peculiar doctrines entertained by them, until he had 
arrived at the age of twenty-one ; at this period of his life, he 
was exceedingly exercised in seeking the way of salvation, was 
brought to believe in the tenets of this organization, and was 
immersed in Mahoning County, O., in 1852. 

After graduating at college, the first year of his ministry was 
spent at Warren, O., the next three in the State of New York 
in connection with the Williamsville Classical Institute. Upon 
leaving the Institute, he devoted himself to regular ministerial 
labor, and was chosen pastor of the church in New Lisbon, O., 
which he served acceptably for four years. He then removed 
to the city of Allegheny, and took charge of the church in that 
place, where he has labored successfully for several years. 

His general appearance marks him as a man of equitable 
temper and large benevolence, yet he is, nevertheless, decided 
and firm. 



REV. JOSEPH KING. 233 

His teachings are principally practical : his discourses appeal 
to the conscience of his hearers rather than to their suscep- 
tibility to oratorical power. 

He possesses very little imagination, and is not, in the popu- 
lar sense of the term, an orator. His success in the ministry, 
nevertheless, demonstrates the fact that he wields an influence 
greater than that which belongs to the most gifted speakers. 
In all his relations, he is noted for his broad and liberal views, 
as well as for his labor for the promotion of Christian unity. 
Wherever he has labored, the divine blessing has attended his 
teaching. 

Mr. King takes a great interest in the cause of education, 
has been elected for many years a school director from the 
Second Ward, Allegheny, and during most of the time served 
as president of the Board of Controllers, being noted for his 
profound judgment and impartial rulings. 



234 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 



REV. LUTHER HALSEY, D.D., LL.D. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Schenectady, N.Y., 
Jan. I, 1794. 

His father, also named Luther, had received in his youth a 
careful and liberal education. He became an officer in the 
American army of the Revolution. In the early years of the 
war he was reckless and exceedingly profane. 

As adjutant, he was one day forming the battalion. Dis- 
pleased at something, he burst into blasphemy fearful for force 
and significance of expression. A soldier called "Wicked 
Tom," because of his notorious profanity, was seen by the 
adjutant to tremble, and was overheard to remark, "It makes 
my blood run cold to hear our adjutant swear." 

The comment startled the officer. What was there in his 
profanity that shocked even "Wicked Tom" "i 

He began to reflect, and perceived that familiar acquaintance 
with the Bible and its doctrines enabled him to use, instead of 
the preposterous profanity of uninstructed men, expressions 
loaded with the logic and rhetoric of the word of God. His 
education under Christian influences had done this for him. It 
had taught him to swear rationally ! The skill with which he 
wove maledictions condemned him. He felt himself to be one 
of the chief of sinners, a transgressor whose early privileges and 
light left him without excuse, and aggravated his wickedness. 
He became a changed man, and was remarkable thenceforth for 
Christian faith, courage, and devotedness. He was pre-emi- 
nently a man of prayer. He believed in the covenant-keeping 
God of Abraham, and did not for a moment doubt his willing- 
ness to accept, and renew by his Spirit, the children of those 
who believed his promises, and commanded their households in 
his fear. 

Adjutant Halsey had the unspeakable satisfaction of seeing 



REV. LUTHER HALSEV, D.D., LL.D. 235 

all his children who arrived at mature years decidedly religious 
men and women. He lived to see four of his sons graduate at 
college, and enter the ministry. Of these, Luther was the 
eldest and the most distinguished. 

After the war, Adjutant Halsey engaged in teaching. While 
the subject of this sketch was still young, the father removed 
to Whiteborough, in Oneida County, near Utica, N.Y. A few 
years later he became the principal of the academy at New- 
burg, on the Hudson. Here Luther, having graduated mean- 
while from Union College, was for a brief time his father's 
assistant. Before 18 16 he had studied medicine and law in 
New-York City, and theology under the Rev. J. Johnston, D.D., 
of Newburg, and in that year began to preach as stated 
supply of the Presbyterian church of Blooming Grove, Orange 
County, N.Y. 

On the 1st of January, 18 18, he married a young widow, 
Mrs. Anna G. Smith, daughter of Mr. George Gardner of 
Newburg. 

The same year, or the year before this, he was installed pas- 
tor of the church already mentioned. His ministry at Bloom- 
ing Grove was to an extraordinary degree useful. He soon 
became widely known, not for talents and unction only, but for 
learning also. 

Excessive labors in a great revival with which the Lord 
blessed his church, impaired Mr. Halsey's health. The rupture 
of a blood-vessel made retirement from the pulpit impera- 
tively necessary. In 1824, while his health was still precari- 
ous, he was called to the chair of natural history and chemistry 
in Nassau Hall, Princeton, N.J. He fulfilled the duties of 
this position until 1829, when the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian church elected him professor of ecclesiastical 
history and church polity in the Western Theological Semi- 
nary at Allegheny, Penn. Dr. Janeway was his colleague 
there for a short time, and afterward the celebrated Dr. Nevin, 
who, a few years later, joined the German Reformed Church. 
No interval of distance or time, no denominational diversity of 
views, could alienate these brethren from each other's affection. 
Dr. Nevin preached Dr. Halsey's funeral sermon. 



236 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

From Allegheny, Professor Halsey removed, in 1837, to 
Auburn, N.Y., to perform, in the theological seminary there, 
the duties of a similar office. 

In July, 1843, while he was still at Auburn, he received from 
Mr. Michael Allen of Pittsburg, a letter, in which occur some 
sentences that may interest members of the Second Presby- 
terian Church of Allegheny, formerly called the Manchester 
Church. I will quote : — 

" I have had a long talk with friend Sampson'. A church 
expressly intended for you will be finished on or before the ist 
of October next, seventy feet by forty-three ; Gothic windows 
eleven and a half feet high ; vestibule twenty feet ; a gallery in 
front for singers ; eighty-eight pews all complete ; every dollar 
paid before the church is opened ; Dr. Herron to preach the 
opening sermon. You see, all is cut and dry for work. Is not 
this noble for such a small place .? But you have some good 
material at work. All done by a few. I do not think that 
such an offer should be refused, as it will just place you on 
your own farm, and in the midst of your best friends, who will 
endeavor to make you comfortable. Should you refuse it, I 
well know that the disappointment will go beyond any thing it 
would be in my power to express." 

Dr. Halsey became the first pastor of that church, after 
some delay, but remained with it only a short time. In 1846 
he yielded to Mrs. Halsey's impression that her health would 
be benefited by residence in the East, and removed to Perth 
Amboy, N.J. 

In 1848 he was in New-York City, delivering a course of lec- 
tures to the students of the Union Theological Seminary. 
There he continued until he was induced by friends and ad- 
mirers to remove in 185 1 to Washingtonville, in Orange 
County, N.Y., where he preached as stated supply of the 
Presbyterian Church for many years. Here his congregation 
included some of the descendants of those who were his parish- 
ioners in his first pastorate, Washingtonville being but a few 
miles from Blooming Grove. 

For the last ten years of his life, his home was at Hammon- 

' Mr. John Sampson of Manchester. 



REV. LUTHER HALSEV, V.D., LL.D. 2^^ 

ton, N.J. He and Mrs. Halsey spent much time, however, at 
the house of Mrs. Halsey's son, Mr. Charles G. Smith, near 
Pittsburg, Penn. There, on the 22d of February, 1874, more 
than three years after the death of her son, died Mrs. Halsey, 
after having been confined to her room for many months by 
partial paralysis. This affection did not act upon her brain or 
her spirits. Until the end approached, she enjoyed with even 
unusual zest the society of her friends, and such literary 
pursuits as had been, from her childhood, her delight. She 
was an extraordinary woman. She could repeat word for 
word, when over fourscore years of age, whole poems of the 
English classics. Many of her own compositions survive her, 
and give evidence of both taste and scholarship. Of her poeti- 
cal productions, perhaps none is superior to verses inscribed 
"To Lyra," and published in "Putnam's Monthly" for August, 
1 854. The best known of her prose works is a " Life of Elizabeth 
Fry." She read six languages besides her own. Her aversions 
and attachments were equally positive. Persons she disliked 
were not often encouraged to cultivate her acquaintance. The 
relatives and friends whom she loved, found her devotion entire 
and lasting. She had good judgment in all matters of busi- 
ness. Well had it been for her husband to commit to her the 
management of all his financial affairs ! She was deeply inter- 
ested in all works of Christian benevolence. I am told she 
was among the first to suggest the founding of an orphan-asy- 
* lum in Allegheny City, and that she designed its seal, — a nest 
full of young, open-mouthed birds. She was earnestly interested 
in all her husband's work, and was supremely desirous to have 
all whom she loved become true Christians. For more than 
fifty-six years was she the devoted wife of Dr. Halsey. Her 
death, and the death in February, 1880, of Mrs. Smith, whom 
he loved as if she had been his own daughter, caused him to 
feel the profound loneliness of earth. Very few who had been 
his friends in the years of his youth and prime then survived. 

After the removal of Mrs. Smith from her old homestead. 
Dr. Halsey had spent a time with one of his grandsons, and 
then retired to his farm near Hammonton, where he lived with 
his nephew and tenant, Mr. Abram H. Van Doren. He died 



238 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

in Norristown, Penn., on the 29th of October, 1880, in the 
eighty-seventh year of his age. He had been called, but a- 
few days before, to attend the funeral of Mrs. Job F. Halsey ; 
had taken cold, and, being extremely weak, was unable to 
rally. 

The personal appearance of Dr. Halsey was impressive. He 
was fully six feet in height ; had very lively eyes of deepest 
blue, the well-curved brows of which were often knit with an 
expression of profound thoughtfulness, and were surmounted 
by a lofty and grandly developed forehead ; had brown hair that 
narrowly missed being auburn ; and a mouth very firm when the 
face was in repose, but very mobile when he was excited by 
conversation, or interested in any topic that touched his feel- 
ings. Ordinarily he was grave and very dignified. In this 
dignity, there was nothing assumed. It was the result of an 
ambitious and chivalric nature, earnestness of character, and 
intellectual force, and was perfectly consistent with the great 
kindliness of countenance that invariably attracted little chil- 
dren to him. His grandson, the Rev. George G. Smith of Ten- 
nent, N.J., thus speaks of him : — 

"My first distinct recollection of him takes me back to 1842 
or 1843. My parents were living at Dr. Halsey's place below 
Manchester, where Mr. Bennett lives now. The house was 
then quite in the country. On a summer afternoon, a stern- 
wheel steamer that plied between Pittsburg and Beaver ' slowed 
up ' opposite our house, and sent a boat ashore. The steamer 
was probably the ' Lake Erie ' or the ' Beaver,' and made, as 
nearly all boats did in those days, with every escape of the 
steam, a tremendous noise, that awakened echoes among the 
hills for miles on both sides of the Ohio River. I was soon 
called to the parlor, and led into the presence of a tall, slender 
gentleman, dressed in black, whose high white cravat, deep, 
manly voice, thoroughly Christian suavity, and kind notice of 
me, a little boy, captivated me at once." 

Dr. Luther Halsey had come from Auburn to visit his friends 
in Pittsburg. 

He was a man of great learning. I was familiar with his 
habits of study for more than thirty years. He rose early, and 



REV. LUTHER HALSEY, DD., LL.D. 239 

spent more than twelve hours, on an average, each day in close, 
careful reading of the best books that discriminating scholar- 
ship could select. He had a wonderful memory, and readily 
recollected the substance of all he read. It is not strange, 
therefore, that such work as he did in the study gave him com- 
mand of whatever had been written that was best worth remem- 
bering in the departments of learning in which he was specially 
interested. 

A justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and a 
number of distinguished ministers of the gospel, met at the 
house of a prominent Presbyterian pastor of Baltimore, were 
discussing the character and attainments of John Quincy Adams 
soon after the death of that celebrated scholar. They agreed 
that America had lost her most learned citizen. " Who is the 
most learned man left .^ " asked one of the party. The judge 
promptly answered, *' The Rev. Luther Halsey is now the most 
learned man known to the public in the United States." In 
this opinion, all the ministers concurred. 

The older citizens of Allegheny remember well the Rev. Dr. 
Page of the Protestant Episcopal Church, a man of rare erudi- 
tion. He and Dr. Halsey rode in the same carriage from Maple 
Grove, the home of the late Rev. A. D. Campbell, D.D., to 
Allegheny Cemetery, attending Dr. Campbell's funeral. A few 
days later I met Dr. Page. He said eagerly concerning Dr. 
Halsey, " He is a wonderful man ! A wonderful man ! The 
best-read man I have met for twenty years ! " 

" He is so full of learning," said Dr. Melanchthon W. Jacobus, 
"you have only to tap him on any subject, and the stream will 
flow." 

Near the end of his life. Dr. Halsey, while on a visit to Nor- 
ristown, Penn., was in company with the Rev. J. Grier Ralston, 
D.D., and Cornelius Baker, M.D., intimate friends of his brother, 
Dr. Job F. Halsey. 

Dr. Baker, who has repeatedly mentioned to me his impres- 
sion of the extraordinary learning of Luther Halsey, related an 
incident that particularly struck him. 

Dr. Ralston was a scholar and an educator. He knew that 
Dr. Halsey had once been professor of chemistry in Princeton 



240 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

College, and inquired whether he kept abreast of the progress 
of that science. Dr. Halsey, with his usual modesty, felt that 
he did not, and confessed as much. 

"The two talked chemistry," said Dr. Baker, "until Dr. 
Halsey had drawn out of Dr. Ralston all the latter knew upon 
the subject, and had overlapped that with evidence of wider 
and more thorough acquaintance with the science than even 
Dr. Ralston, learned as he was, possessed," 

His knowledge of ecclesiastical history, and of the history of 
America, was certainly not surpassed by that of any other man 
of his day. 

He bought books to read them. If I mistake not, the num- 
ber of Dr. Halsey's books, packed and catalogued at Washing- 
tonville, in 1867 or 1868, to be sent to the Allegheny Seminary, 
exceeded three thousand volumes. He had long before that 
time given several thousand volumes to the same institution, 
and thousands more to different relatives and friends. Nearly 
all of these, excepting books of reference, he had thoroughly 
read and digested. 

In the pulpit. Dr. Halsey was orthodox, instructive, and elo- 
quent. Wendell Phillips was not more eloquent than Dr. Hal- 
sey sometimes was in extemporaneous efforts. He was either 
formally called or privately invited to become the pastor of 
many of the strongest churches in the land. He was sought 
by Dr. Payson's congregation in Portland, Me., after the death 
of that distinguished man, and by the First Presbyterian 
churches of Utica, N.Y., and Princeton, N.J., as well as by 
prominent churches in Washington City, and in other centres 
of intelligence and influence. John Quincy Adams was among 
those who tried to induce him to go to the national capital. 

Dr. Halsey excelled any other man I have ever met in respect 
of the power he possessed to illuminate a subject by accurate 
and simple exegesis, and practical adaptation to the minds of 
his hearers. Many a time in cottage prayer-meetings in Orange 
County, N.Y., and in the lecture-room of the Second Presby- 
terian Church in Allegheny, Penn., have I heard from his lips 
such sweet and edifying conversational comment and discourse 
upon some passage of Scripture as charmed the scholar, and 



REV. LUTHER HALSEV, D.D., LL.D. 241 

enlightened and comforted the ilHterate. The late Rev. L. L. 
Conrad was accustomed to say he had never met any one else 
who equalled Dr. Luther Halsey in a prayer-meeting talk. No 
other has ever seemed to me to approach him in ability to nour- 
ish God's people by running comment upon a chapter, or upon 
several consecutive verses of Scripture. It was his belief, that 
no other kind of preaching was so profitable as this exposition 
of so much of some portion of the Bible as brought out clearly 
a prominent topic of thought, and its various relations to the 
minds and spiritual wants of men. To find the central truth 
of a parable, a miracle, a narrative, a doctrinal statement, and 
then to irradiate this by bringing to a focus upon it all the con- 
verging lines of light revealed by the Holy Spirit in the passage 
and context, this was his aim in an expository lecture. 

His religious character was sincere and exalted, and his 
habits of devotion and self-examination insured close knowledge 
of his own heart and of human nature. He endeavored to 
live in continual remembrance of the presence, precepts, and 
service of his Lord. A quotation from a memorandum written 
by him for his own benefit and guidance while he was at 
Blooming Grove, N.Y., will illustrate the principles, methods, 
and motives of his ministry. 

"Live to-day just as if you were to die to-morrow. Pingo 
in (Eternum. Live more directly and exclusively for eternity. 
Let me think, feel, speak, study, act, all for eternity. 

" I. The first ministerial qualification is to have a heart warm 
with desire after the glory of God and the salvation of perish- 
ing immortals. It makes the mind fertile, the tongue eloquent, 
the labor light, and is the surest pledge of a spiritual harvest 
among the people of one's charge. 

"2. The Scripture is the best storehouse for arguments, 
illustrations, etc. Compose my sermons by the word of God. 

"3. Find the subject sabbath evening, think it over through 
the week, and complete the preparation before the Viext sab- 
bath. Let the morning of the sabbath be spent in devotion, 
and attention to personal religion. 

"4. In my sermons, specially regard the practical applica- 
tion, and endeavor to adapt it to every class of hearers. Let 



242 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

no one go away disappointed, unimproved. It may be his last 
opportunity ! 

" 5. If my sermons are not suited to promote my spiritual 
improvement, they will not benefit my hearers. Always first 
preach them to myself. 

" 6. Visit the sick and dying once a week. They are lonely, 
discouraged, and decaying, and in need. Visit the tempted and 
despairing often. Visit persons who are removing, or who are 
only transient guests. This may be my only time. We sep- 
arate forever ! Visit the concerned and awakened often. 
Theirs is a strife with Satan. Go or send until they are con- 
firmed. Visit the aged and infirm, and those confined within 
doors. Carry to them the ordinances. They cannot come. 
Visit those who are under the discipline of the church, to 
reclaim them while there is hope, and save Christ's kingdom 
from continued reproach. Visit the active and apt, to set them 
upon particular duties while the opportunity lasts. 

" N.B. Visit straightway every individual member of the con- 
gregation for the spiritual good of each, so that to each one 
personally may be addressed, once at least in his life, the 
message of reconciliation. 

" 7. Take special notice of the religious improvement of the 
cJiildren of the congregation. Pray with them, exhort them, 
induce them to read, catechise them, inquire whether parents 
restrain and instruct them. See that the church pays special 
regard to orphans. Youth is a season of critical importance. 

"8. Poor widows must be sought out, visited, comforted. 
Strangers must be looked after. 

"9. Blacks must be. particularly provided for. They have 
no friend but me. (Harry said, * Nobody prays for me ! ' ) 

" 10. Let me remember, in all companies and places, that I 
am a servant of God, a minister of the gospel, officially charged 
with the salvation of men." 

Socially he was one of the most agreeable and delightful of 
men. He was a repository, an encyclopaedia of facts and anec- 
dotes ; and when he was in company that was congenial, his 
conversation was wonderfully interesting, brilliant, and profit- 
able. His table-talk was often very sprightly and spicy. He 



REV. LUTHER HALSEV, D.D., LL.D. 243 

made all literature tributary to his purpose to inform and please 
his friends. By the magic wand of memory, he would com- 
mand into the presence of the company any noted character of 
history, to speak and act again for the entertainment or in- 
struction of mankind. 

I have sat in the society of the celebrated Thomas Marshall 
of Kentucky, when his brain was stimulated only enough to 
make it specially active, and have heard him exert himself 
by the hour to entertain an intelligent circle of college-men. 
His conversation was not only less instructive, it was less 
brilliant, than Dr. Halsey's often was. 

Frequently when his mind was active, the doctor would pace 
a room diagonally from corner to corner, his hands under the 
tails of his coat, or thrust under his study-gown behind. Then 
was the time to engage him in talk. When he retired to his 
library, after tea, and lighted his pipe, if you could catch him 
before he opened his book, he was ready for a long conversa- 
tion on topics that occupy the thoughts of scholars or earnest- 
minded men. The faster he talked, the faster did he smoke, 
until the blue wreaths encircled his head, and at times half 
closed his flashing eyes. 

His habit of smoking was not formed in boyhood. He was 
too conscientious and obedient in his youth to do what his 
father disapproved. While engaged in the severe labors of 
special services at Blooming Grove, his health suffered from 
too much preaching. He was attacked by hemorrhages. His 
physician counselled him to smoke. So repugnant was tobacco 
to him, that, as Mrs. Halsey assured me, he was nearly 
two weeks smoking his first cigar. He became an inveterate 
smoker. 

Often he questioned the rightness of indulging himself in 
the habit. The fact that physicians recommended the use of 
tobacco, and the fact, also, that it had become a condition 
upon which he was dependent for quiet nerves and successful 
study, determined the issue. He smoked the hour before he 
died. 

Whatever good the pipe may have done him, it did him 
far more harm. To-day physicians and ministers ought to 



244 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

know better than to prescribe or follow the habitual use of 
tobacco. 

Dr. Halsey was entirely free from the ostentation of learn- 
ing. The simplicity of his manners, and his Christian regard 
for man as man, often led illiterate people to imagine that his 
reputation for extensive and profound learning was much 
exaggerated. 

" He's a very plain mon," said an Irish gardener. " He jist 
talks aboot wur-rums on the cabbage-leaves, an' caterpillars on 
the ellums, an' sech like." 

"Didn't he tell me all about how to make soft-soap!" com- 
mented the house-maid. 

His knowledge of all the mechanical and agricultural arts ; 
of animals and their habits and diseases ; of soils, and the best 
kinds of treatment for clay, or loam, or slate-land ; of the 
methods of cultivation approved and practised in many differ- 
ent countries; of insects injurious to vegetation, and of insect- 
ivorous birds ; in short, of all that could interest and help 
farmers, — made him specially welcome to their homes. 

He always contrived, everywhere, to season conversation with 
grace, as with salt, and was accustomed, after a visit to a family 
in his parish, to have the household called together to listen to 
a chapter of the Bible, and to be led by him in prayer. 

He was thoroughly in sympathy with all real progress, 
believing with Tennyson, that, — 

" Through the ages one increasing purpose runs, 
And the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns." 

So, too, was he heartily in sympathy with young men. He 
entered enthusiastically into their plans, and encouraged them 
in study and work. Many are alive to-day who would gladly 
send, from the four quarters of the globe, testimony to the 
advantage they derived while students in college or seminary, 
or while under Dr. Halsey's care in his own household, from 
his brotherly and fatherly counsels and cheer. 

He was a patriot. His descent and his studies intensified his 
love of country. For sixty years he clung to the purpose of 
writing a history of the United States, which should make suit- 



REV. LUTHER HALSEY, D.D., LL.D. 245 

able and constant recognition of God's providence, guiding and 
controlling the affairs of the nation. He left an immense mass 
of unfinished manuscripts, and inexpansible notes for the book 
— the results of incredible labor. No one can make any such 
use of these as he designed to make. 

Here it may be well to ask why Dr. Halsey wrote and pub- 
lished so little, I think that only those intimately acquainted 
with the man can give the answer. Desire for perfection 
deterred him. His ideal was too high ever to be wrought out. 
He would not write until he had thoroughly mastered the sub- 
ject. He was so learned as to know, that, while ever learning, he 
had never attained absolute knowledge of any subject of investi- 
gation. He would learn more, more, more, ALL ! He studied 
incessantly, but never achieved, never could have achieved, 
what he aimed at. Appalled at the greatness of the work he 
had conceived, when over fourscore years of age he let the 
pen fall from a hand unnerved by a glimpse at that which, like 
God himself, is unsearchable — the immensity of knowledge. 
He wronged the future by so doing. No other man can do so 
well what he could have accomplished. 

I think his dear namesake, pupil, and friend, the Rev. Luther 
Halsey Gulick, now in China, could shed much light upon this 
philosophy of Dr. Halsey's unfruitfulness as an author. No 
one now living was better acquainted with Dr. Halsey's 
methods of study. 

Although he did not write the proposed history, he did very 
often deliver at celebrations of the Fourth of July, and on 
other suitable occasions, remarkable historical addresses. I 
wonder whether any aged member of the Cincinnati Society, 
to which he belonged, can give the public some report of Dr. 
Halsey's reminiscences of characters conspicuous in the mili- 
tary and civil service of the country in the first period of its 
history.? In Norristown, Penn., numbers of members of the 
First Presbyterian congregation retain vivid impressions of 
the extraordinary excellence and eloquence of a patriotic dis- 
course delivered by Dr. Halsey in that town. 

As a man of business. Dr. Halsey was lamentably deficient. 
His heart and mind were too much absorbed in his studies, 



246 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

and he was too unworldly, incautious, and visionary, to deal 
wisely with financial affairs. No man had more physical or 
moral courage than he had, yet he would allow any poltroon 
or fool to overreach him in business. This was not the worst 
of the ill : not only did he often suffer unnecessary loss of 
property — he was sometimes led to attribute to roguery on 
the part of others, the inevitable consequences of his own 
indefiniteness and carelessness. He would give vague direc- 
tions, and, when these were misunderstood, would sometimes 
charge mistakes to wilful dishonesty. I fear he once wronged 
in this way certain brethren who entered with him into a i^lan 
to publish a religious newspaper in New- York City. He 
honestly believed they understood certain moneys advanced 
by him to be a loan. His own vagueness allowed them to 
honestly think the payment an investment in stock. So good 
men were set at variance. One of his relatives, who greatly 
admired his talents, learning, and piety, said, respecting his 
unfitness to manage affairs, " He is all right for heaven, but 
is not worth a cent for earth ! " Yet the God in whom he 
trusted, so overruled his mismanagement, that real estate, part 
of which was swamp-land below Allegheny City, purchased by 
him when he was in his prime, did, by its enhancement from 
the growth of the town, secure to him a sufficient support 
for the years when he was too old to perform regular pas- 
toral duty. The Marine Hospital stands upon part of that 
property. 

What a man is to his own household and relatives, is the 
truest test of his character. Those who dwelt at any time in 
his family circle have the fullest and most delightful impression 
of Dr. Halsey's magnanimity, unselfishness, courage, fortitude, 
industry, learning, loyalty to Christ, and devotion to his service. 
He never had son or daughter of his own ; but he loved little 
children, dandled them on his keees, and bore them as little 
kings aloft upon his shoulders as, often and long, he paced the 
room at tea-time. He made himself their playmate, and liked 
to have the hand of a little child in his as he took, when he 
lived in the country, his walk at dewy sunrise. He was never 
so absent-minded as to disregard the inconsequent prattle of 



REV. LUTHER HALSEV, D.D., LED. 247 

the little ones. Any child that happened to be visiting at his 
house was as the doctor's shadow wherever he moved. 

He had the most reverential regard for woman. From the 
depths of his pure heart he honored her, and his demeanor 
toward her was that of a most chivalrous and Christian knigfht. 

He was not merely tolerant of the innocent amusements of 
young people : he encouraged them. As a boy and young man, 
he was fond of shooting and fishing. He had many stories to 
tell of the days when he used to shoot wild turkeys and pas- 
senger pigeons in the State of New York. 

His presence in the household cheered like sunlight. His 
equanimity had a calming, peace-breathing power. Old and 
young went to him naturally with glad tidings or with any anx- 
iety or grief. He had unselfish sympathy for all. 

In bringing to a conclusion this inadequate sketch of the life 
and character of a truly good and great man, it is well to notice 
last his implicit and triumphant faith in God. No one could 
be long in his company without perceiving that he habitually 
lived under the power of things unseen and eternal. To him, 
God and heaven were realities, — the one his Father, the other 
his home. To spend a sabbath evening with him in his old 
age was to enter the vestibule of the upper temple. So high 
and holy was his joy in the Lord, that his household and friends 
often seemed to attend him to the summits of the " Delectable 
Mountains," to catch enrapturing glimpses of the land which 
to those that are of the earth, earthy, is very far off, and 
through the telescope of his faith to see "the King in his 
beauty." Now he sees him as he is, and is like him. 

An aged and beloved sister of Dr. Halsey is still living near 
Springfield, in the State of Ohio ; and many nephews and nieces 
love and cherish his memory. 



248 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. JOB FOSTER HALSEY, D.D. 

Job Foster Halsey was born in Schenectady, N.Y., July 
12, 1800. He was the youngest brother of the Rev. Luther 
Halsey, D.D., LL.D. 

Job F. Halsey studied theology with his brother Luther, and 
was licensed by the Hudson-river presbytery in 1820. Subse- 
quently he spent three years in the theological seminary at 
Princeton, N.J., at the same time rendering his brother, Dr. 
Luther Halsey, important aid in preparing his illustrations for 
the lectures delivered by the latter as professor of chemistry 
and natural history in the College of New Jersey, Princeton. 

The pulpit of the Tennent Church, near Freehold, N.J., hav- 
ing become vacant by the death of Dr. Woodhull, Job F. Hal- 
sey was invited to preach there, and was ordained and installed 
the pastor of that church, June i, 1826. 

While he was settled here, he married Miss Elizabeth Parker 
Brinley, whose strong Christian character, systematic habits, 
and mental vigor. Dr. Halsey was ever ready to credit with in- 
fluences which helped and balanced him through all his life 
thereafter. 

Here, also, he began the work which issued in supplying 
those destitute of it in the United States with the Bible. 

First he induced the Monmouth-County Bible Society to 
supply the county. Then he brought about such action on 
the part of the Nassau-Hall Bible Society as resulted in sup- 
plying the State of New Jersey with the word of God in the 
short space of two years. Moreover, the society undertook, at 
his suggestion, to raise forty thousand dollars to be applied to 
the teaching of those who could not read the Scriptures. 
After he removed to Albany, N.Y., as agent over sixteen coun- 
ties of that State for the Sunday School, Tract, and American 
Bible Societies, he induced the Washington-County Bible 



REV. JOB FOSTER HALSEY, D.D. 249 

Society to agree to raise five thousand dollars to aid the parent 
society, on condition that at its next anniversary it would un- 
dertake to supply the United States within two years. This it 
did. 

On the failure of his health, Dr. Halsey removed to Pitts- 
burg, Penn., where his brother Luther had been called to serve 
as professor of ecclesiastical history and church polity in the 
Western Theological Seminary. 

For a time Dr. Job F. Halsey supplied the First Presbyterian 
Church of Allegheny every other sabbath. In 1830 or 1831 
he was called to be its pastor. The congregation then wor- 
shipped in a small frame-building. I believe that Dr. Halsey 
was still pastor of that people when the brick church, after- 
ward destroyed by fire, was erected on Beaver Street (now 
Arch Street). 

In 1835, his health failing, he accepted a professorship in 
Marion Manual-Labor College, Missouri ; and during the ab- 
sence of its president, the Rev. Dr. Potts, he taught and grad- 
uated the first class of that institution. 

There he lost his voice, and, turning his back upon Missouri, 
removed to Perth Amboy, N.J., where he opened the Raritan 
Seminary for young ladies. Here, as principal, he spent 
twelve years in teaching. 

While educating there the two daughters of his old friend, 
the Rev. David Nelson, M.D., he was instrumental in inducing 
that gentleman, who had been, while a practising physician, an 
undisguised infidel, to write his celebrated work, "Nelson on 
Infidelity," now owned and pubHshed by the American Tract 
Society. The entire manuscript was sent to Dr. Halsey by 
mail in letters from Marion, Mo., and Ouincy, 111. He carried 
it through the press at New York, Mrs. Halsey correcting the 
proof-sheets. Some years before his death, Dr. Nelson told Dr. 
Halsey that he had a list of over three hundred persons who 
had been recovered from infidelity by this book. 

In 1848 Dr. Halsey's voice was so far restored that he was 
able to preach again ; and he became pastor of the church 
in West Bloomfield, N.J., now called Mont Claire. There he 
remained until a large stone church was nearly completed, when 



250 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

he was compelled to leave on account of the loss of the health 
of his wife. 

In 1856 he received and accepted a call from the First Pres- 
byterian Church of Norristown, Penn., of which he was pastor 
until July 12, 1S80, and from that date until his death "pastor 
emeritus." 

So far, I have made free use of material given by Dr. Halsey 
to the late Rev. J. G. Ralston, D.D., of Norristown, and used 
by the latter in his " Historical Sketch of the First Presbyte- 
rian Church " of that place. 

His pastorate at Norristown was eminently successful. Dr. 
Ralston's description of Dr. Halsey in 1876 is worthy of being 
transcribed word for word. "As a man," wrote he, " Dr. Halsey 
has a commanding presence, a courteous manner, and a kind 
heart. As a Christian, he is gentle, devout, and evidently sin- 
cere. As a minister, he is earnest, and sometimes even impet- 
uous. His style is unpretentious, although studied ; while his 
orthodoxy is undoubted. Christ and Him Crucified finds a 
place in all his sermons. Now, in the seventy-seventh year of 
his age, he still preaches with unusual vigor." 

A more beautiful and even glorious exemplification of Chris- 
tian faith, joy, and triumphant hope than Dr. Job F. Halsey 
presented in the last years of his life, it has never been my 
privilege to behold. I spent the interval from December, 1880, 
to June, 1881, under his roof. He was then in his eighty-first 
year. His tall form was not bowed by age. His blue eyes, 
which habitually beamed with serenity and charity, could also 
on occasion flash with fires of enthusiasm, as he addressed the 
presbytery, or his own congregation, upon some theme that 
kindled his zeal. His voice was deep, rich, and strong. He 
was gentle and loving. In his home his presence was like a 
benediction. To sit in the light of his peaceful and blissful 
countenance was an honor and a blessing to be remembered 
through one's life. He was unselfish to a degree which no 
words can express. His Christ-like life was to very many per- 
sons the most beautiful and irrefutable evidence of the divine 
origin of Christianity. Looking unto Jesus, he had been trans- 
formed into his image. He loved little children, and they 



REV. JOB FOSTER HALSEY, D.D. 25 I 

delighted to play and bask in the sunlight of his presence. 
His death on the 24th of March, 1882, was like a translation. 
Having contracted a cold, and feeling unwell, but not seriously 
ill, he retired early in the evening to rest. His only surviving 
child, Mrs. J. J. Borie, went, with the affection of a devoted 
daughter, to his room before bed-time, and found him dead. 
As he lay in his coffin, dressed as he had been accustomed to 
appear in the pulpit, his dignified, placid, and happy face seemed 
to be the countenance of one who had laid down to pleasant 
dreams. He was buried beside his beloved wife at Perth 
Amboy, N.J. 

The inscription upon his memorial tablet in the .First Pres- 
byterian Church of Norristown, Penn., closes with this most 
appropriate quotation : — 

"He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of 
faith." — Acts xii. 24. 



252 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. JOHN TAYLOR PRESSLY, D.D. 

John Taylor Pressly was born in South Carolina, in the 
Abbeville District, March 28, 1795. His ancestors were 
esteemed the best and most influential citizens of his native 
State. His parents were distinguished for their intelligence 
and religious proclivities. In such a home, where Christian 
instruction and Christian example were combined, in furnish- 
ing the best of influences, the subject of our brief sketch was 
born, and grew up to manhood. Every member of the family 
— including three brothers who became ministers of Christ, 
and two others who became distinguished physicians, and two 
sisters, one of whom became the wife of a minister, the other 
of a physician — gave to the world an honored Christian life. 

The subject of our sketch was esteemed the central figure 
of the family circle, and became the most distinguished. 

Having espoused the cause of religion in early life, and mani- 
fested a love of study, he gave promise of his after-eminence in 
piety and learning. 

He connected himself with the Cedar-spring Church of the 
Associate Reformed Synod of the South, and commenced his 
studies in a classical school in the immediate vicinity of his 
home. He subsequently entered Transylvania University, Ken- 
tucky, where he graduated in 1812, in the eighteenth year of 
his age. 

During his novitiate, he consecrated himself to the gospel 
ministry, and, in view of this, determined to acquire the best 
theological training the country could afford. For this purpose 
he entered the seminary in New York, then under the charge 
of the celebrated John Mitchell Mason, D.D. 

Having completed the full course of three years' study, he 
was licensed as a ministerial probationer by the Associate 
Reformed Presbytery of South Carolina, in the spring of 1815. 



REV. JOHN TAYLOR PRESSLY, D.D. 253 

For a year he devoted himself to missionary work, travelling 
on horseback through several of the Southern States, and as 
far north as Pennsylvania and New York. 

He often, in after-years, referred to his missionary tour, es- 
pecially to the fact of passing through Allegheny, then a forest, 
and but sparsely inhabited, and which was destined, in the 
providence of God, to be his future home and the field of his 
life's labors, and took pleasure in recalling that his journey led 
him to cross the spot upon which his family residence was 
afterwards erected. 

Returning to his Southern home in the summer of 18 16, he re- 
ceived a call to assume the pastoral charge of the church in which 
he was reared, baptized, and had made a profession of religion. 

Having accepted the call, he was ordained and installed its 
pastor, July 3 of the same year. 

For a period of over fifteen years these happy relations were 
maintained, and he would have gladly spent the remainder of 
his days in this congenial field. Providence, however, had 
other and more important work for him to do. 

Although pained to sever his connection with a loving people, 
yet the call was so clear, conclusive, and to his mind impera- 
tive, that he felt it his duty to obey. He became celebrated, 
not only for his eloquence as a Christian minister, but as one 
eminently qualified to educate others in the gospel ministry. 
In recognition of his superior abilities in this respect, the mem- 
bers of his own synod had tendered to him the appointment of 
professor of theology : this he declined to accept, not seeing 
his way clear to do so. Subsequently, to wit, on the tenth 
day of October, 1831, the Associate Reformed Synod of the 
West elected him to the chair of theology in the seminary at 
Pittsburg, which had been rendered vacant by the decease of 
its first professor, the Rev. Joseph Kerr, D.D. 

The proceedings which resulted in his election, and the 
causes that led to it, were so manifestly the work of Providence, 
that he was convinced that the call was directed from above. 
He at once commenced preparations to enter upon the new 
work; and on the fifth day of January, 1832, he arrived in Pitts- 
burg with his family, having, in the brief space of two months, 



254 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

decided to change the sphere of his life's work — dissolved 
his connections with a loving and beloved people, broken up 
his home, disposed of his property, and made the long and 
tedious journey from South Carolina to his new field of labor. 
He entered upon his labors the following week. 

His eminent fitness for the work was fully recognized, widely 
known, and added a new attraction to the merit of the institu- 
tion. Such was its fame, that students were drawn to it from 
all parts of the church, north and south. 

In addition to his theological duties, he supplied with marked 
acceptance several of the vacant pulpits in the vicinity, from 
two of which he received calls to become their pastor, which he 
declined. 

On the 26th of October, 1832, he received a call from 
the church of Allegheny, which he held under considera- 
tion until the following meeting of presbytery. In the mean 
time, in response to the request of the congregation, he 
commenced to labor among them as stated supply on the 
first day of December, 1832, and continued in that capacity 
until the following April, when he formally accepted the call, 
and was, on the 27th August of the same year, installed pas- 
tor. The Rev. Mr. Cahan delivered the sermon, and the Rev. 
Mr. Weir made the installation prayer. Thus were consti- 
tuted relations between pastor and people which continued 
for thirty-eight years, or until the close of his life, and which 
proved to be one of the most successful pastorates of modern 
times. 

Possessed of an imposing and stately personal appearance, 
and endowed with health and great physical strength, he moved 
with a dignity that commanded attention and admiration wher- 
ever he appeared. Endowed by nature with a strong mind, and 
well trained for the performance of mental work, and methodi- 
cal in the arrangement of his duties, his labors were abundant 
and richly productive. 

He brought to his work a large experience, and gave to it his 
whole heart and force of character. 

His style of oratory was of that kind that carries conviction 
to the heart of the truth of the doctrines advocated. 



REV. JOHN TAYLOR P RES SLY, D.D. 255 

He avoided the sensational in his style of delivery. It was 
the simple, clear, and earnest declaration of one who knew 
and felt the object of his teachings to be the salvation of 
souls. 

His great power as a preacher may be attributed to the clear- 
ness of conception and expression which characterized his man- 
ner of delivery in the presentation of his subject. 

His fine personal appearance, strong, sonorous, and well- 
modulated voice, and suave and dignified manners, gave to his 
delivery a powerful and lasting effect. 

Faithful as a pastor, he was also a tender and sympathizing 
friend, ever on the alert to do good by counselling the weak and 
despondent, and soothing the sorrows of the sick and afl[iicted. 
In his personal efforts to carry out his benevolent plans, he was 
warmly aided by his excellent wife. 

He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hearst at Cedar 
Spring, South Carolina, his native place, July 4, 18 16. They 
had nine children. Mrs. Pressly was born June 10, 1793. En- 
dowed in an eminent degree with all the social and Christian 
qualifications, she was admired for her modest and unassuming 
demeanor. Active and zealous in doing good, yet she shrank 
from the slightest public recognition. She was the light and joy 
of her own home, and also the welcome visitor in the homes of 
the members of the congregation. Possessed of a cheerful and 
happy disposition, a countenance glowing with benevolence, 
and animated with good nature, she fully exemplified the vir- 
tue of the scriptural declaration, "A soft answer turneth 
away wrath." None were better qualified to assuage the sor- 
rows of a broken heart, and cheer the despondent : to bind up 
the one, and encourage the other, was her constant aim. Her 
genial presence and loving words were well calculated to secure 
the confidence, and win the affections, of all with whom she 
came in contact. Her whole heart and life were dedicated to 
the service of God, to her husband and his people in the Lord. 
Her home was the central object in the congregation, where 
the meek and lowly received as cheerful a welcome as the rich 
and honorable. She lived respected, and died lamented, in the 
city of Allegheny, April 4, 1873. 



256 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Dr. Pressly took an active and intelligent interest in every 
thing that tended to enhance the welfare of his adopted city. 
In the cause of education his zeal was particularly manifested. 
He aided with ability in the organization of the first board of 
school directors elected under the law enacted for the estab- 
lishment of the present system of public schools, and occupied 
for many years the position of president. During the year 
1842 he established, and ably edited until the year 1845, 3- re- 
ligious paper entitled "The Preacher," when the Rev. David R. 
Kerr became the editor. The name was subsequently changed 
to that of "The United Presbyterian," and became the acknowl- 
edged organ of the church bearing that name. The relations 
existing between Dr. Pressly and contemporary ministers of 
his own as well as of other denominations, were of the most 
friendly nature. 

In the spring of 1870, it became painfully apparent to his 
family and numerous friends, that his health and strength, 
which had been impaired by a former severe and protracted ill- 
ness, again exhibited unmistakable evidences of failing. His 
movements were noticed to be less firm and energetic ; his 
erect and stately form became bowed ; pain and suffering were 
stamped upon his features, and his otherwise clear and sonor- 
ous voice rendered tremulous. Notwithstanding these discour- 
aging circumstances, he still continued to fulfil acceptably the 
duties of his pastorate. 

In the hope that travel, and change of scene, would renew his 
health, accompanied by his two daughters, he was induced by 
his loving family and friends to make the trip of the lower 
lakes and the St. Lawrence to Canada, and from thence to 
Saratoga, N.Y. 

The desired relief, however, failed to come. On the con- 
trary, he continued day by day to grow worse, and it was 
deemed necessary to hasten his return home. He arrived com- 
pletely prostrated, on the ninth day of August, 1870; and after 
four days of painful suffering, he ceased from his labors, and 
passed peacefully to his rest and reward. 

He died as he lived, in the hope of a blessed immortality, in 
the seventy-sixth year of his age, the fifty-fifth of his ministry, 



REV. JOHN TAYLOR PRESSLY, D.D. 257 

and the thirty-eighth of his charge of the first U. P. Church of 
Allegheny. 

To some he may have seemed to be of an austere disposition, 
as he never lost sight of the dignity of his calling or the man- 
ner of a high-toned Christian gentleman ; but those who knew 
him best, gave him great credit for the goodness of his heart, 
and excellency of his Christian character. 

In commemoration of the virtues and faithful services of 
their beloved pastor, the members of the congregation, among 
whom he had labored so long and acceptably, erected a mural 
tablet of white marble to the right of the pulpit, with the fol- 
lowing appropriate memorial, inlaid with letters of gold in- 
scribed upon a shield of black marble : — 

En iWemorg of 
Rev. J no. T. PRESS LY, D.D., 

FOR 38 YEARS 

THE BELOVED AND HONORED PASTOR 

OF THIS CHURCH ; 

A GOOD AND GREAT MAN, 

WHOSE PURE LIFE AND TENDER AFFECTION, 

WISE COUNSEL AND UNFLINCHING FIDELITY, 

AND ABUNDANT LABORS, 

ARE ENSHRINED IN THE HEARTS 

OF A GRATEFUL PEOPLE. 



BORN MARCH 22D, I795. 
DIED AUGUST I3TH, 187O. 



"THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE IN 
EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE." 



This testimonial of loving and grateful hearts was unveiled 
on the occasion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the 
church, held Nov. 8, 1881. 



258 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M. 

Among the early ministers of the Presbyterian church, and 
the pioneer educators, few, if any, made a more salutary or 
enduring impression upon the infant communities which in 
early days were gathered and crystallized in the region lying 
west and north of the Allegheny River, in Western Penn- 
sylvania, including the now populous city of Allegheny, than 
the Rev. Joseph Stockton, a very brief epitome of whose life 
and labors is all that can be- given here. 

The subject of this memoir was the youngest son of Robert 
Stockton, a farmer of Franklin County, Penn. He was born on 
the twenty-fifth day of February, 1779. His mother, Mary 
McKemy, was a daughter of the Rev. McKemy, one of the 
earliest Presbyterian ministers in the United States. In 1784 
his father removed Westward, and settled on a farm in Wash- 
ington County, Penn. He acquired his classical education at 
Jefferson College, Canonsburg, graduating with credit in the 
nineteenth year of his age. He then entered upon a course of 
theological studies under the instruction of the celebrated Rev. 
John McMillan, D.D., and became a licentiate on the twenty- 
fourth day of June, 1799, he being then in his twenty-first 
year. 

On the 8th of May, 1800, he was married to Miss Esther 
Clark, daughter of David Clark of Washington County, Penn. 
In the autumn of the same year, he removed with his wife to 
Meadville, the county-seat of Crawford County, Penn., then 
quite a new settlement, where, on the twenty-third day of 
June, 1801, he was ordained and installed the first pastor of the 
infant church of Meadville. During the nine years which he 
occupied that position, he also had charge of the Meadville 
Academy, which subsequently became Allegheny College, and 



REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, A.M. 259 

also ministered regularly to the church at Conneaut Lake, a 
few miles west of the town. 

In 1809 he relinquished his several charges, and removed to 
Pittsburg, where he was chosen principal of the Pittsburg 
Academy, which afterwards became the Western University of 
Pennsylvania, and was formally organized May 10, 1822. Up 
to this period he held the position, discharging its duties faith- 
fully, and with great acceptance to its patrons. 

During those years he published the " Western Spelling- 
Book " and the " Western Calculator," both of which were 
extensively used in all the schools of the Western country. 
Over the problems of the latter, many of the youh of that 
early day spent many weary hours. 

While engaged as principal of the academy, he ministered to 
an infant congregation, worshipping in a rude log "meeting- 
house " located in the vicinity of Pine Creek, Indiana township, 
on the Kittanning road, eight miles from Pittsburg. His time 
on the sabbath was divided between the Pine-creek congrega- 
tion and the soldiers of the United-States Arsenal. The latter 
charge he dropped, and devoted his ministerial labors, up to 
1829, equally to Allegheny and Pine Creek. 

In the year 18 19 he removed from Pittsburg to Allegheny, 
then an inconsiderable hamlet, having previously purchased 
property on the north-east corner of Stockton Avenue and 
Arch Street, upon which he erected a modest frame-dwelling, 
and to which he built an addition, thus making it a comfortable 
and pleasant home, in which he resided until his death. Within 
a few years this venerable landmark has been removed, and the 
site occupied by the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

The congregation which he organized, and to which his min- 
isterial labors were chiefly directed, is now the First Presby- 
terian Church of Allegheny. Shortly after his removal to 
Allegheny, he opened the Allegheny Academy on the north- 
west corner of Federal and Robinson Streets, where many of 
the youths of Pittsburg and Allegheny acquired a thorough 
English, and the rudiments of a classical, education. 

He was also one of the original founders of the Western 
Theological Seminary, and one of its first professors. 



26o HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

During this period the village of Sharpsburg became a place 
of some importance, and was embraced within the limits of the 
Pine-creek congregation. For some years Mr. Stockton divided 
his labors between Pine Creek and Sharpsburg, at which latter 
place the Christian people had erected a substantial and con- 
venient brick church. Although the Pine-creek congregation 
was gathered in 1814, and a house of worship erected (the first 
brick church built north of the Allegheny River), it was not 
until the following year that the church was formally organized 
by the ordination of William D. Hawkins, John Galbraith, and 
Mathew Crawford, elders, and the administration of the sacra- 
ment of the Lord's Supper, at which the communicants num- 
bered seven only. Many of the Christians, however, from 
Pittsburg and elsewhere united with and encouraged the little 
band. From year to year this church struggled on until the 
death of Mr. Stockton, seventeen years afterwards, when the 
records exhibited that one hundred and thirty-six had been 
admitted as the fruits of his labors. 

During the year 18 10 he occupied the pulpit of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, until the Rev. Francis 
Herron, D.D., was installed pastor. 

In addition to his ministerial labors, he was engaged in pre- 
paring a work on theology, evidently intended to fill a void 
which the early book-trade had not fully supplied. The com- 
pleted portion of the manuscript is executed in a neat and legi- 
ble manner, and evidences the attainment and industry of its 
author. 

Before commencing his studies for the ministry, he had read 
a thorough course of medicine ; and many of his friends and 
neighbors, having unlimited confidence in his knowledge and 
skill, would call upon him in their seasons of illness, and would 
be satisfied with none other. 

In the year 1831, the church in Allegheny having increased 
in numbers and importance, it was decided to call a regular 
pastor, when he ceased to labor there as a stated supply, and 
devoted the few remaining years of his life to the Pine-creek 
church. It was his custom, in the preparation of his sermons, 
to study his subject thoroughly, arrange his matter methodi- 



REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON, AM. 261 

cally in brief skeleton notes, and depend entirely, for the expan- 
sion of his thoughts, on the prompting of the moment. His 
notes were briefly and closely written, with no record of the 
times and places in which his discourses were delivered. 

The melancholy circumstances connected with the death of 
Mr. Stockton imparted additional sadness to that event. It 
was during the summer of 1832, that that terrible scourge of 
humanity, the Asiatic cholera, first invaded North America, 
approaching by way of Quebec and Montreal. It soon broke 
over the Canada border, and travelled rapidly from city to city, 
and from village to village, carrying consternation and death in 
its train. In October of that year, Mr. Stockton was hastily 
summoned to the city of Baltimore on the occasion of the. 
severe indisposition of one of his sons. While there, he was 
smitten with cholera ; and after an illness of but twenty-four 
hours, most of which time he suffered intense agony, a merci- 
ful death terminated his life and his sufferings on the 29th 
of October. His dying testimony was a happy close of such a 
life. " Come, Lord, come quickly ; thy servant waits," was his 
frequent exclamation. Like Paul, he had fought the good fight, 
he had finished his course, he had kept the faith, and was cer- 
tain of his reward. Thus departed this good man in the zenith 
of his powers and usefulness, with his armor on, in the fifty- 
fourth year of his age. 

In 1858 his remains were removed from Baltimore to the 
Allegheny Cemetery. 

His strong sense of personal allegiance to the demands of 
duty is strongly exemplified in his ministerial career. To it 
he bent the energies of his whole life ; and to fulfil it per- 
fectly, he spared no labor. As a scholar, he ranked high ; 
eloquent as a speaker ; and as Christian pastor he had few 
equals. He possessed rare gifts as a pulpit orator, his style 
being characterized by unusual earnestness, boldness, and finish, 
while personally he possessed those rare qualities of the head 
and heart which invariably attract and fix the affections of all 
classes and conditions of people. To know him was to love 
him. It requires not the pen of eulogy to herald forth the 
excellences of this good man. He exhibited an affectionate 



262 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

disposition towards all, and was ever zealous in his endeavors 
to promote the moral and intellectual welfare of the city of his 
adoption. 

His success as an educator was well known. The author's 
recollection and observation enable him to state that his happy- 
methods of inspiring his pupils with his own amiable manner 
was his highest recommendation as a teacher, while his stand- 
ing as a Christian minister was a pledge that the morals of 
those intrusted to his care would not be neglected. 

His faithful and loving wife survived him for thirty-six years. 
She died in the old family mansion, where she had lived for over 
fifty years a humble and devout Christian life, on the thirteenth 
day of April, 1868. During the late civil war, this estima 
ble and venerable lady did what she could for her imperilled 
cbuntry, by a diligent use of her aged hands in knittmg stock- 
ings for its brave defenders. 

Her zealous efforts in this direction, coming to the knowl- 
edge of President Lincoln, called forth from him an autograph 
letter, expressing in grateful and felicitous terms, his approval 
of the meritorious and patriotic act. This letter is preserved 
by the surviving members of the family as a precious memento 
of its illustrious author. 



REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D. 263 



REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D. 

This eminent minister of the gospel was the son of the Rev. 
Seth and Lucy ElHot Swift. His father was the pastor of the 
church in Williamstown, Mass., wliere he was born Aug. 12, 
1792. Reconnected himself with the Congregational church 
in Stockbridge, Mass., in July, 18 13. His brother. Rev. 
Ephraim G. Swift, was pastor of that church at that time. He 
graduated at Williams College, Mass., Sept. i, 1813, and his 
theological training was received in Princeton Theological 
Seminary. He was licensed by the presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, at Lawrenceville, N.J., April 24, 18 16, and was ordained 
by a Congregational Council held in the Park-street Church, 
Boston, Mass., with a view to the foreign missionary work, 
Sept. 3, 1 81 7. He was accepted by the American Board of 
Missions, but providential events interfered with the execution 
of his purpose. He commenced his ministerial labors in the 
Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, Oct. 10, 18 19, and 
continued its pastor until Feb. 26, 1833, when he was released, 
in order that he might devote his entire time to the Western 
Foreign Missionary Society, of which he had been appointed 
the corresponding secretary. 

On the 1st of July, 1835, the First Presbyterian Church of 
Allegheny extended to him a call, which he accepted, and con- 
tinued the pastor of this church for nearly thirty years, the 
duties of which he discharged with rare fidelity and marked 
acceptance. He was united in marriage in Hanover, N.J., to 
Miss Eliza Darling Beach, Oct. 2, 18 17, by the Rev. Aaron 
Condit. Mrs. Swift was born in Hanover, N.J., Feb. 16, 1791. 
They had nine children, — five sons and four daughters, — 
named respectively, Henrietta Mary, Asbel Green, Samuel 
Beach, Elliot Elisha, Henry Martin, Catherine Wilhelmina, 



264 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Joseph Patterson, Edward Payson, and Lucy Elizabeth. Asbel, 
Samuel, and Joseph died very early. 

The subject of our brief memoir died April 3, 1865. For five 
years previous to his death, the indications of failing health and 
strength were observed with solicitude by his people, among 
whom he had labored so faithfully and acceptably. The times 
on which he was unable to occupy his accustomed place in 
the sanctuary were occurring with painful frequency. Under 
these circumstances, the congregation, with an intelligent and 
generous appreciation, called his son, the Rev. Elliot E. Swift, 
then pastor of a church at Newcastle, Penn., for the purpose 
of relieving their tried and feeble pastor. Under this new 
arrangement, the father was enabled to occupy the pulpit 
with more or less frequency until within a few months of his 
decease. He delivered his final discourse on the i8th of Sep- 
tember, 1864. From this time onward, through the autumn and 
winter months, he was confined to his room. At noon on the 
day above indicated, while sitting in his chair, his spirit departed 
from earthly scenes to enter the heavenly rest. 

It was his habit, from the commencement of his ministry, to 
preach without notes ; he had evidently trained himself upon 
the principle that memory loves to be trusted : it was, therefore, 
only on special occasions, such as the installation of professors, 
pastors, elders, or deacons, that he would sometimes read the 
charges he had been called upon to deliver. It must not be 
supposed from this fact, that his sermons were prepared without 
the use of the pen. On the contrary, they were mostly fully 
written out, and gave evidence of deep thought and research, 
and were delivered with a pathos that riveted the attention, 
and moved the hearts, of his hearers, and were considered 
among the grandest specimens of effective pulpit oratory. 

His tall and commanding person aided the effectiveness of 
his delivery ; his large and well-developed head and expansive 
forehead gave evidence of a superior mind ; and his large and 
luminous eyes, fixed upon the hearer, imparted to his delivery 
an almost irresistible power. 

His faithful wife survived him for nearly six years : she died 
Jan. 30, 1 87 1. They rest side by side in Allegheny Cemetery. 



REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT, D.D. 26$ 

Dr. Swift was the author of the following publications : — 

"The Sacred Manual, containing a Series of Questions, His- 
torical, Doctrinal, and Preceptive, on the Sacred Scriptures," 
published January, 1821. 

A Sermon delivered in the college-hall at Canonsburg, Wash- 
ington County, Penn., Sept. 19, 1820, before the Female Educa- 
tion Society of Jefferson College. 

"Duties and Responsibilities of the Professorial Office in 
Theological Seminaries," a sermon delivered in the First Pres- 
byterian Church of Pittsburg, Oct. 16, 1828, on the occasion of 
the inauguration of the Rev. Jacob J. Janeway, D.D., as pro- 
fessor of theology in the Western Theological Seminary. 

"The Character of God," a sermon published in "The Pres- 
byterian Preacher," July, 1832. 

An Address delivered to the congregation of the Second 
Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, March 3, 1833, on the 
sabbath following the dissolution of the author's pastoral re- 
lations to that church, by the presbytery of Ohio, at the request 
of the executive committee of the Western Foreign Missionary 
Society. 

A Sermon on Isa. xviii. i, "Woe to the land shadowing 
with wings," preached before the synod of Pittsburg, in 
Washington, Penn., Oct. 16, 1825. 

He edited " The Western Foreign Missionary Chronicle," in 
1833 and 1834, which contains a full account of the proceedings 
of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. 

" The Misdirection of Physical and Intellectual Effort," an 
address delivered to the Franklin and Philo Literary Societies 
of Jefferson College, on the occasion of the annual commence- 
ment, Sept. 28, 1837. 

"The Nature and Importance of a Revival of Religion," a 
sermon published in " The Presbyterian Preacher," March, 1837. 

" Semi-centennial Retrospect," a sermon delivered in the First 
Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, Dec. 8, 1839, being the day 
appointed to be observed as the fiftieth anniversary of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
States. 

"The Calamity of Pittsburg," a sermon delivered in the 



266 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, April 24, 1845, being 
the day appointed by the mayor of the city as a season of 
fasting, humiliation, and prayer, in consequence of the appal- 
ling destruction of a large portion of the city of Pittsburg, 
on the loth of the month. 

A Funeral Sermon, delivered on the death of the Rev. 
Robert Dunlap, A.M., March 28, 1847, to which is prefixed an 
address delivered at his interment, March 23, 1847. 

A Charge delivered at the inauguration of the Rev. William 
J. Plumer, D.D., as professor of didactic and pastoral theology 
in the Western Theological Seminary, Oct. 19, 1854. 

"Judah's Mercies and Transgressions," illustrative of the 
duties and dangers of the American nation : a discourse deliv- 
ered on the fortieth anniversary of the author's ministry in 
Pittsburg and Allegheny, Nov. 6, 1859. 

" The Prophets, do they live forever .'' " a discourse commem- 
orative of the character and labors of the Rev. Robert John- 
ston, delivered before the synod of Allegheny, in session at 
New Castle, Penn., Sept. 29, 1861. 

He had the degree of A.B. conferred upon him at Williams 
College, Mass., and that of A.M. at Yale, Conn. He was a 
member of the first faculty connected with the Western Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, organized in 1822 ; and occupied the 
chair of moral science and general evidence of Christianity. 



WILLIAM B. ADAMS. 267 



WILLIAM B. ADAMS. 

William B. Adams was elected mayor of Allegheny, and 
served in that position from 1854 to 1856. The history of Mr. 
Adams is quite an eventful one. He was born in the State of 
New York in 1822, and was a cooper by trade. 

He commenced his political career in Allegheny as constable 
in the Third Ward, and was subsequently employed on the 
police-force, and in 1852 was appointed its chief. He then 
became conductor on the P., F. W., & C. Railway. 

In the contest for the mayoralty in 1854, he was taken up as 
the citizens' candidate, in opposition to H. Campbell and R. W, 
Park, both Whigs. The delegates from the four wards were 
equally divided between the regular nominees, neither of which 
would yield : the consequence was a triangular fight, which re- 
sulted in the election of Mr. Adams. He had the reputation 
of having made a faithful and efficient officer. The popularity 
of his administration was fully demonstrated by the fact of his 
' succeeding elections. 

Some time after his retirement from the mayor's office, he 
unfortunately became involved in complications of a very seri- 
ous nature, over which, in view of his subsequent merit as a 
gallant soldier, let us cast the mantle of charity. 

He went West at the beginning of the late war, and was re- 
cruited in one of the Illinois regiments of volunteers, and com- 
missioned a lieutenant in one of the companies attached to the 
same. This regiment took part in the sanguinary battles of 
Chattanooga and Stone River, and was highly complimented 
for its bravery^on these occasions. 

Lieut. Adams served honorably throughout the whole war, 
and was wounded in the engagement at Stone River. 

After having been mustered out of the volunteer service, he 
immediately enlisted in the regular United-States Army for 
three years, and was ranked as quartermaster-sergeant in the 
Thirteenth Infantry. At the expiration of his term of enlist- 
ment, he took up his residence near Cleveland, O. 



268 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



HERMAN DE HAVEN. 

Herman De Haven was chosen mayor of Allegheny in 1857. 
He was born in 1806, near the head waters of Conestoga Creek, 
Lancaster County, Penn. He served an apprenticeship to the 
blacksmith business, and came to Allegheny in 1831, and there 
kept the principal hotel, located on the west side of Federal 
Street, between the Diamond and Water Alley (now Park Way). 
He was subsequently engaged in the manufacture of linseed-oil 
in the old mill on the west side of Middle Alley, between Gay 
Alley and Park Way. 

In 1840 he removed to Trumbull County, O., and in the 
autumn of 1845 returned to Allegheny. In the spring of 1858 
he removed to his farm in Shaler township. 

Prior to the Presidential campaign of 1840, he was an ardent 
and devoted Democrat. Since then he has been identified with 
the Whig and Republican parties. 

During the contest at which he, as the nominee of the 
" bolters " from the Republican convention, became mayor, 
there was a fierce triangular struggle for the supremacy, in 
which B. C. Sawyer and R. P. McDowell were his opponents. 
The latter, however, withdrew ; and Tony Haslitt took his place 
as the Democratic candidate. The voting on the day of the 
election was close and exciting, resulting in the choice of Mr. 
De Haven by a majority of twenty-seven. He was much 
admired for his sterling integrity, and highly respected by the 
citizens generally. 

He died June 20, 1880, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. 
He was married to Miss Diana C. Lightner, sister of the late 
J. Lightner, Nov. 9, 1830, who died May 28, 1837. The fruit of 
this marriage was a son and daughter. In 1839 he married Miss 
Jane Mager, who also died, Feb. 6, 1872. There are five children 
living of the latter marriage, two sons and three daughters. 



JACOB STRICKRATH. 269 



JACOB STRICKRATH. 

Jacob Strickrath was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1858. 
He was born in Sinsheim, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, a 
quiet village, about eighteen miles east of the city of Heidel- 
berg, on the 3d of December, 1809. 

He came to the United States, arriving at New York in 1829 : 
from there he went direct to York, Penn., where he remained 
for a few years, working at his trade of a tanner and currier. 
From York he went to Philadelphia ; from the latter city he 
came to Westmoreland County; and in 1833 he arrived in Pitts- 
burg, and was employed in the tannery of the late John Caldwell, 
on the south-east corner of Second Street and Redoubt Alley. 
He continued with Mr. Caldwell until 1835, when he removed 
to Allegheny, and was employed as foreman in James B. Irwin's 
tannery, located on the north-east corner of North Avenue and 
Race Street, formerly Middle Alley. After the close of his 
engagement with Mr. Irwin, he formed a partnership with Mr. 
John Taggart, and with him carried on the tanning business for 
over eight years on the east side of Pasture Lane (now Irwin 
Avenue). 

On the dissolution of the partnership, he bought out Mr. 
Irwin, and carried on the business for himself for a number of 
years. 

In politics he was an old-line Whig, and was the ardent ad- 
vocate of the principles of that party, especially the doctrine 
of a protective tariff. The drifting of his old party friends, 
however, towards Native Americanism, induced him to cease 
acting with them as long as they advocated doctrines so preju- 
dicial to citizens of foreign birth. Without having expressed 
any feeling, or pronounced any views, in favor of the Democracy, 
he was taken up as their candidate for mayor without effort or. 
solicitation on his part ; indeed, he was rather opposed to it, feel- 



270 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ing assured that no one could be elected by them on strictly 
party grounds ; he was therefore by no means sanguine of suc- 
cess. But the high estimation in which he was held by his old 
party friends, gained for him their hearty co-operation, and in- 
sured his election. 

To this feeling may be justly attributed his election to the 
office of county commissioner in 1871. 

These important trusts he discharged with rare fidelity, and 
in a most acceptable and efficient manner. His social and un- 
assuming nature won for him a wide-spread popularity, and his 
executive ability and general business qualifications are freely 
acknowledged by his fellow-citizens. He was married, in 1835, 
to Miss Rebecca Wicklim. On the breaking out of the war 
he had five children living, — four sons and one daughter. 
His eldest son, Lewis, at the commencement of hostilities, was 
residing in Hartsville, Tenn., and was compelled, much against 
his inclination, to do service in the Home Guards : he, however, 
fled North with his family on the first opportunity. His other 
three sons joined the Union army. John became a member of 
Company K, Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ninth Pennsylvania Re- 
serves ; he was taken prisoner at the battle of James River, 
Va. ; was exchanged and transferred to a Missouri battery, com- 
missioned lieutenant ; he was severely wounded in action, from 
the effects of which he died, and was buried at Vicksburg, 
Miss. William joined the Two Hundred and Twelfth 
Regiment, and was a member of Company L. Silas belonged 
to Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment. 
Their merits as gallant soldiers were fully attested upon the 
several battle-fields in which their regiments were engaged. 

In all the relations of life, Mr. Strickrath proved himself true 
to his professions, always courteous in his manners, but firm in 
what he deemed right, doing justice to all. He placed himself 
squarely on the doctrines of our national creed, that "all men 
are created equal," and repudiated all political distinctions based 
upon the accident of birth. 

There are few men who possess more fully the confidence 
and esteem of their fellow-men. His chief characteristics are 
those of honesty and integrity, and a conscientious discharge 



JACOB STRICKRATH. 271 

of the duties of life. He received an ordinary German educa- 
tion in his native land, and since he became an American citi- 
zen, has acquired a pretty fair knowledge, of an English one. 
He is versed not only in the common topics of the day, but 
may be also regarded as well read in history and politics. His 
career presents a record which proves conclusively that the 
only road to success in life is pre-eminently that of unceasing 
industry and undeviating integrity. 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



SIMON DRUM. 

Simon Drum was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1861, 1862, 
and also in 1868 and 1869. He was born in Westmoreland 
County, Penn., in 1824, and was brought up on his father's 
farm. In 1834 he went with his parents to the State of Ohio, 
and in 1835 to Wheeling, W. Va. Here he remained until 1840, 
when he came to Allegheny, and was apprenticed to Brown & 
Carothers, to learn the carpenter-trade. 

He was married in 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Workman. In 
1852 he commenced business on his own account on the north- 
east corner of Cedar Avenue and Avery Street, 

The undertaking, however, proved unfortunate ; as his shops, 
together with his implements of trade, lumber, etc., were en- 
tirely destroyed by fire on three different occasions during the 
same year. These repeated disasters having greatly discour- 
aged him, he removed with his family to Indianapolis, Ind. : 
here he remained for a year, when he again returned to Alle- 
gheny, and recommenced his former business, which he con- 
tinued until 1859. He was elected to the Common Council from 
the Third Ward in 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, ^nd 1865. He was 
chosen president of the same in the latter year. In 1866 he 
was chosen to represent the First Ward in the select branch. 

On the breaking out of the war, inspired with becoming 
patriotic zeal, he resigned his position as mayor, with a view to 
entering the army. He forthwith commenced to recruit for 
the nine-months' service, Company H of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-third Regiment, Rev. J. B. Clark, colonel, commanding. 
He was commissioned captain of Company H, and mustered 
into the service, Aug, 9, 1862, and mustered out with the com- 
pany. May 12, 1863, having served the full term for which the 
regiment was recruited. The gallantry of the regiment during 
its service was fully attested in many well-contested battle- 



SIMON DRUM. 273 

fields. In 1 864 he went into the hardware business on Ohio 
Street ; sold out his interest in 1868, and bought a planing- 
mill. In 1873 he recommenced the hardware trade, and con- 
tinued in the same until 1876, when he again sold out, and is 
now engaged as general agent of the Ben Franklin Insurance 
Company. His military record is that of a brave and gallant 
soldier, and he is esteemed as one of our best citizens. 



274 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



ALEXANDER C. ALEXANDER. 

Alexander C. Alexander was elected mayor of Allegheny 
in 1863 and 1864. His parents settled in Allegheny County at 
Buffington's Ferry, on the Allegheny River, in 1801. On the 
31st December, 1802, the subject of our sketch was born. His 
parents subsequently removed to Pittsburg, and located on the 
east side of Fifth Street (now Fifth Avenue), between Wood 
and Smithfield Streets. At this point his father commenced 
the business of nail-making. The site of the old factory is now 
covered by Masonic Hall. Here the son was taught the art and 
mystery of the trade of nail-making, and continued to assist in 
conducting the business until his marriage in 1827. He after- 
wards was employed as chief nail-cutter in the Juniata Iron 
Works, on the north-west corner of Penn and Cecil Alley, car- 
ried on by Smith, Roger, & McDowell, subsequently by Tur- 
bett, Roger, & McDowell. On the suspension of the latter firm 
in 1844, he removed to Allegheny, and engaged in the grocery- 
trade on Ohio Street. This he abandoned in a short time, 
having received the appointment of general tax-collector for 
the city, which position he held for over eleven years. He 
served for several years in the council of the city, and his 
liberal and progressive views gave him an influence in that 
body that was always exerted for the promotion of improve- 
ments and the advancement of good government. 

During his administration as mayor, his health began to fail : 
he continued an invalid until his death, which occurred on the 
twenty-eighth day of May, 1868. He acquired an ordinary edu- 
cation, and was always acknowledged as a gentleman of worth 
and ability, and was much admired for his integrity and correct 
business qualifications. 

In all the relations of life he proved himself a man of sterling 
worth, faithfully discharging the duties committed to his care, 
wise in counsel, and firm in his friendship. 



A. P. CALLOW. 275 



A. P. CALLOW. 

A. P. Callow was elected mayor of Allegheny for the term 
covering the years from 1870 to 1872, and was re-elected for a 
second term in 1873, and died during the same year. 

His occupation was that of a printer, and he was formerly 
engaged as pressman on " The Gazette " and " Commercial 
Journal." 

On the breaking out of the war, moved by becoming patriot- 
ism, he enlisted as a private in the three-months' service in 
Company C, Thirteenth Regiment, commanded by Col. Thomas 
A. Rowley. He was mustered in with the company, April 25, 
1861, and mustered out Aug. 6, 1861. Previous to the aban- 
donment of the Thirteenth, it had been determined to organize 
a new regiment for three years, which in a short time had the 
requisite number of men in camp. The regiment, although 
among the first recruited, was not recognized by the State 
authorities, nor its officers commissioned, until a large number 
of the three-years' regiments had been placed in service. The 
number was consequently changed to One Hundred and 
Second. He was a member of Company F, and was mustered 
into service with the regiment, Aug. 16, 1861. For gallantry 
and meritorious conduct he was promoted to adjutant of the 
regiment, July i, 1863. He was severely wounded in the 
battles of Malvern Hill, July i, 1862, and Wilderness, Va., 
May 5, 1864, from the effects of which he partially recovered. 
He was mustered out with the regiment, Sept. 3, 1864, their 
term of service having expired. 

Adjutant Callow was subsequently seriously injured in a rail- 
road disaster, which occurred on the P. R.R. on a western- 
bound train, near New Florence : from the effects of these 
injuries he was rendered a cripple for life, and was compelled 
to use crutches during the balance of his days. He acquired 



276 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

a liberal education, and was considered a gentleman of superior 
natural ability, courteous and affable in his manner towards 
all, endowed in an eminent degree with those moral and social 
qualities which rendered intercourse with him agreeable, and 
his friendship desirable. He carved out his own fortune, and 
his success as a civil and military officer is due to his courage 
and indomitable zeal and energy. He died in 1873, highly 
respected and lamented ; and his remains lay in state at City 
Hall amid demonstrations of profound sorrow and regret. 



THOMAS MEGRAW. 277 



THOMAS MEGRAW. 

Thomas Megraw was elected mayor of Allegheny for the 
term covering the years 1878, 1879, 1880, to expire in April, 
1 88 1. He was born in the village of Grange, county Down, 
Ireland, on the 27th June, 1835. His parents emigrated to the 
United States while he was quite a youth, and settled in 
the Fourth Ward of the city of Allegheny in 1842, He was 
educated in our public schools, and was by trade a stone-cutter. 

At the commencement of the late civil war he enlisted in 
Company A, Capt. J. Heron Foster, of the One Hundred and 
Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by 
Col. Thomas A. Rowley, and was mustered into the service, 
Aug. 29, 1 86 1, as first sergeant ; was wounded at Fisher's Hill, 
Sept. 22, and at Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864, and was 
yet an invalid confined in hospital when the regiment was 
mustered out of service. 

On his return from the army he was enrolled as a veteran, 
and was elected street-commissioner of his adopted city for 
many years, the duties of which he faithfully discharged. Upon 
his retirement from his official position as street-commissioner 
in 1874, he entered into partnership with his brother John, who 
was extensively engaged in the business of general contractor. 
During his association with his brother, he accumulated a com- 
petence. In consequence, however, of failing health, superin- 
duced by the inhalation of the dust and sharp particles of stone 
to which he was exposed whilst engaged in the occupation of 
stone-cutting, he retired from active business life to a farm in 
Beaver County. Returning to Allegheny in the autumn of 
1877, he received the Republican nomination, and was elected 
mayor of the city in the following year. 

The three years of his administration were remarkable for 
the peace and quiet of the city. His skill as a mechanic was 



2/8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

of the highest order : his record for gallantry as a soldier 
adorns the pages of his country's history. As a citizen he was 
highly respected for his courteous and affable manners, as well 
as for his stern and unyielding integrity as a magistrate. He 
was married Aug. 19, 1868, to Miss Harriet Gray, who was born 
in the Fifth Ward, Pittsburg, Oct. 2, 1848. They have no chil- 
dren living. He died at his home on Perrysville Avenue, after 
a painful and lingering illness, which he bore with patience and 
Christian fortitude, on the twenty-second day of August, 1882, 
and was laid to rest in Union Dale Cemetery, where his loving 
friends and comrades may indulge in the melancholy pleasure 
upon the return of each succeeding Decoration Day, of strew- 
ing his grave with flowers as an outward evidence of the 
inward truth, " Though dead, he is not forgotten." 



JAMES ANDERSON. ■ 279 



JAMES ANDERSON. 

James Anderson, iron-manufacturer and philanthropist, was 
born in Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Penn., Aug. 3, 1785. 
His parents removed to Allegheny County in 1801. In early 
life he was engaged extensively with his brother-in-law, Richard 
Gray, in the manufacture of brick, subsequently in the manu- 
facture of iron. 

He was one of the projectors of the first iron-mill erected 
within the limits of the city of Allegheny. It was built on 
the west side of Darragh Street, extending from Robinson 
Street to the Allegheny River, near the Columbus-outlet lock 
of the Pennsylvania Canal. It was finished and commenced 
operations in 1827 by the projectors, Messrs. Sylvanus Lothrop, 
James Anderson, and Henry Blake. The latter having disposed 
of his interest to William Stewart, the new firm continued the 
business until 1834, when they sold out to Messrs. John Bissell, 
William Morrison, and Edward W. Stephens. He subse- 
quently became involuntarily engaged a second time in the iron- 
business. The iron-mills erected and operated by the Messrs. 
Lippincott on the north-east and south-west corners of Thir- 
teenth and Etna (formerly Walnut) Streets, Pittsburg, were pur- 
chased by Messrs. King, Higby, and Anderson, the latter being 
a son of the subject of this sketch. The firm having become 
financially involved, and Col. Anderson being largely on their 
business paper, he was compelled against his inclination to 
assume again the jv/e of an iron-master. He operated these 
works for about five years, and having during that time made 
good the losses incurred by the failure of the late firm, he then 
sold out his entire interest to Messrs. Graff, Lindsay, & Co. 

In order to establish his two sons in business, he was induced 
to purchase an interest in the machine-works of J. H. Jenks in 
Allegheny. This unfortunately, however, proved a total loss, 



280 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

owing to complications and misunderstandings between the 
parties. His next venture was tlie manufacture of paper at 
Canton, O. This also not proving remunerative, he sold out, 
and retired from the more active pursuits of life. For the last 
years of his life he devoted his entire time and talents to the 
various bridge, banking, and benevolent institutions, in whose 
management he was from time to time engaged. 

He was one of the corporators and managers of the Ex- 
change Bank, also of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and 
House of Refuge, and was president of the Board of Directors 
of the latter for many years. 

He was also one of the founders of the old Allegheny Bridge, 
in the management of which he continued up to the time of his 
death. In the bridges on the Monongahela he was largely 
concerned, and was for many years president of the Manches- 
ter Savings Bank. 

For twenty-three years he occupied the office of Inspector 
of the Western Penitentiary, having been appointed in 1832, 
and served until 1855, when he retired. He was re-appointed 
in 1859, and continued to act until 1867. He held the respon- 
sible position of president for fifteen years. 

Well-executed portraits of this philanthropist adorn the 
halls of the Western Penitentiary, Western Pennsylvania Hos- 
pital, and Pennsylvania Reform School at Morganza, Washing- 
ton County, Penn. 

On the breaking out of the war with England in 18 12, he 
joined the North-western army, under Gen. Harrison. During 
his service he acquired among his comrades a reputation for 
soldierly conduct of a highly commendable character. 

Col. Anderson, having acquired considerable property on the 
north side of Ohio Lane (now Pennsylvania Avenue), erected 
a substantial and commodious mansion on the avenue, between 
Manhattan and Chartiers Streets, Allegheny, where he resided 
from 1830 up to the time of his decease. 

He was the architect of his own fortune. In pubhc as in 
private life, he was firm and true to his professions. His suc- 
cess in life was the result of a determined and earnest purpose, 
prompt to act, and just in his business relations, zealous in 



JAMES ANDERSON. 28 1 

carrying out his promises, and a faithful discharge of his obli- 
gations, with a determination to do right, regardless of conse- 
quences. 

His strong sense of personal loyalty to the demands of duty 
is forcibly illustrated in his career. To it he devoted the ener- 
gies of his life ; to accomplish it he spared no labor ; always 
kind and affable in his intercourse with all, he was ever zealous 
in his endeavors to do good, and advance the cause of religion. 
His excellent qualities won the confidence and respect of all 
his acquaintances. He evinced a deep interest in the cause of 
education, and the intellectual improvement of the youth of our 
city. Generous to a fault, he was active in the promotion of 
all charitable and benevolent enterprises, always ready to aid 
and support the efforts made for the mitigation of suffering, 
and good of humanity. 

As an evidence of his praiseworthy intentions in this direc- 
tion, we note the fact that he donated to the city of Allegheny 
over fifteen hundred volumes of religious, scientific, and his- 
torical standard works, and over four hundred similar volumes 
to the authorities of the borough of Manchester, in order to 
establish public libraries for the youth whose opportunities for 
obtaining useful reading-matter were somewhat limited. Un- 
fortunately, the contents of these works not proving suitable 
to the taste of the youthful patrons, the two benevolent pro- 
jects were suffered to die out. The volumes donated to the 
city of Allegheny form a part of the present valuable library : 
those donated to the borough of Manchester were sold to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For these, and his other 
benevolent acts, his fellow-citizens remember him with grati- 
tude. 

He was married on the 6th June, 181 1, to Miss Ann Miller, 
who died in May, 1859. His own death occurred March 11, 
1869. There were three children living at the time of his 
death, two sons and a daughter ; viz., William G. Anderson 
(since deceased), Henry L. Anderson, and Isabella Burnett. 
Henry resides at Fair Oaks, on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne, 
and Chicago Railway, and the latter at Philadelphia. 



282 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



CHARLES AVERY. 

Charles Avery, the distinguished philanthropist and subject 
of this brief sketch, was born in the county of West Chester, 
New York, Dec. lo, 1784. In early youth he determined to 
seek his fortune in the metropolis of his native State. With 
this object in view, and having completed his arrangements, 
he left his rural home full of hope, and arrived in New York, 
a stranger in a strange land. His exemplary moral deportment, 
however, soon gained him friends, who assisted him in the 
furtherance of his wishes by obtaining for him a situation in a 
drug-house, in which he served faithfully as an apprentice until 
he became master of the business. Having honorably and 
creditably completed his engagement, and being endowed with 
the full vigor of youth, though with a limited education, he 
gave evidence of no ordinary ability. By a systematic course 
of reading, and embracing every opportunity to attend night- 
school, he added much to his mental culture. Generous in all 
his dealings with his fellow-men, possessor of a happy and 
genial disposition, he rapidly acquired friends, and advanced 
steadily in the estimation of those who were fortunate enough 
to obtain the knowledge of his moral worth. 

He determined to seek his fortune in the West, and came to 
Pittsburg, Aug. 28, 18 12, and at once commenced the drug- 
business with Mr. Van Zandt, and subsequently with the late 
James S. Stevenson (at one time a representative in Congress 
from this district), who was then engaged in the manufacture 
of white and red lead, in which Mr. Avery also subsequently 
became interested. This partnership continued until the death 
of Mr. Stevenson, when Mr. George Ogden became a partner 
in the lead and drug business. 

For a number of years Mr. Avery was a partner in the Eagle 
Cotton Mill, in connection with John and Thomas Arbuckle, 



CHARLES AVERY. 283 

Josiah King, and J. M. Pennock. To the cotton-business may- 
be justly attributed the foundation of his ample wealth. His 
investment in the copper regions of Lake Superior was highly 
profitable. He was among the few who were willing to credit 
the wonderful wealth concealed in the upper peninsula of 
Michigan, and was, with Messrs. Howe, Hussey, and others, con- 
sidered a pioneer in its development, they sinking the first shaft 
for copper in all that vast region. 

He prospered in an eminent degree in all his undertakings, 
and was classed among the enterprising and solid men of the 
city of his adoption. His wealth was acquired by an honorable 
and legitimate method. Averse to speculation, a greedy and 
selfish speculator he could never tolerate. He persevered in 
a conscientious discharge of the duties he owed to the Church, 
to the State, and to his fellow-men. In every relation of life 
he received the approval of all, and ** though dead, the mem- 
ory of his good deeds liveth." Prudent and careful in all his 
business transactions, he avoided running in debt, or overbur- 
dening himself with complications ; and he was always esteemed 
a genial, social, and happy man. In early life he espoused the 
cause of religion, and connected himself with the " Methodist- 
Episcopal Church." At this time an important and influential 
element entered into his youthful and earnest life, by his con- 
version and self-dedication to the cause of Christianity. He 
had grave doubts as to his duty and the best interest of the 
church, whether to enter it as a regularly ordained minister, 
or serve it to the best of his ability in connection with his 
business vocations, in the capacity of a "local preacher." 
After counselling with his friends and his own heart, he deter- 
mined to adopt the latter. 

It is the pleasing duty of the living to record the deeds, and 
cherish the memory, of those whose death we mourn, and 
whose acts of benevolence and Christian unselfishness we ac- 
knowledge and admire. Mr. Avery accumulated his own 
fortune. It was here he acquired his wealth, and it was here 
he dispensed it with a liberal hand ; here he proclaimed the 
doctrine of salvation, and pointed the way to obtain it ; here he 
died, and is lamented. The leading and ruling idea of his 



284 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

whole life was, that he was only the steward of God's bounty, 
and, as a faithful trustee, he was accountable to him for its 
propor disposition, which he held should inure to the welfare 
of his fellow-man and the glory of God. He was not one who 
would ever violate his own judgment, or honest convictions, 
nor was he one of those who defer their charities and inten- 
tions until death separates them from their wealth, and thus 
condone for life's neglects by a posthumous benevolence. On 
the contrary, he was the dispenser of his own charities, fru- 
gal, temperate, and unselfish in his habits in order that he 
might dispense the more to the needy. His benevolence 
was as much a part of his daily life as was his religion. He 
was a liberal and constant giver to the poor, without regard to 
color, nationality, or denomination. Modest and retiring in his 
habits and disposition, he avoided notoriety ; and his philan- 
thropy was so quietly exercised, that it was only known through 
its comprehensiveness and bounty. He was devoted to the 
doctrine of free grace for all, and the advocate of the rights of 
the laity in the matter of church government. His views in 
regard to the latter induced him to withdraw from the Methodist- 
Episcopal Church, and become prominently identified with the 
movement to establish the Methodist-Protestant Church, in 
which he was engaged up to the time of his death. 

On the question of slavery, he always espoused the cause of 
the oppressed and much-abused black race, and became thor- 
oughly anti-slavery in sentiment and practice. His generous 
heart required no outward prompting to duty in the premises : 
he was intuitively the defender of the cause of the despised and 
friendless negroes. It was sufificient for him to know they were 
poor, uneducated, degraded, and socially ostracised, to excite 
his sympathy and earnest efforts in their behalf. Confiding in 
the justice of the cause, he committed himself to the work 
of ameliorating their condition. To the black people of his 
own section, his benevolence was most liberal ; acknowledging 
them as men, and socially equal in all respects, at a time, too, 
when it was unsafe to do so. In order to test his convictions 
by actual experiment, he caused to be erected on his own 
ground in the Fourth Ward, Allegheny, exclusively at his 



CHARLES AVERY. 285 

own cost, a commodious college edifice, dedicated to the edu- 
cation of black people, and which now bears his name. The 
design of the institution was to afford the youth of this race 
an opportunity to obtain a thorough classical education ; and 
in order to fit students for the classical course, he established 
a preparatory school under the superintendence of a competent 
teacher, Mr. Avery died before the college went into actual 
operation, leaving a special bequest of twenty-five thousand 
dollars to aid in its maintenance. 

In all his business transactions, Mr. Avery was eminently 
successful, and was ever ready to aid by his counsel and active 
assistance the poor and struggling classes. He was admired 
for the purity and excellence of his Christian character, and 
was never known, even in the most unguarded moments, to give 
utterance to a word or sentiment that did not indicate true 
nobleness, or that cannot now be remembered with satisfaction. 
As a minister of Christ he was firm and true to his profession. 
His strong sense of personal allegiance to his Lord was charac- 
teristic of his life. 

Mr, Avery's fortune at his death was estimated at eight hun- 
dred thousand dollars, a large portion of which was given to 
charitable objects. During his life a sum probably equal was 
expended by him in public and private benefactions. Having 
no children to inherit his large estate, after liberally providing 
for his widow, and his own and wife's relatives, he left the residue 
for the good of his fellow-men. His chosen executors, Thomas 
M. Howe, William M. Shinn, and Josiah King, in whose in- 
tegrity and business qualification he had the utmost confidence, 
he devised to dispose of his residuary estate, estimated by the 
testator at about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, by 
devoting a portion to be used for the "dissemination of the 
gospel of Christ among the tribes of Africa ; " also another 
portion for a perpetual fund, the interest thereof to be applied 
" to the education and elevation of the colored people of the 
United States and Canada." 

The faithful and efificient management of the trust confided 
to their care has been such, that they have accounted for an 
amount more than double the maximum estimate of the testator, 



286 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

and have partially or wholly endowed normal and other schools 
in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Canada, etc., 
for black people. 

Before closing this imperfect memoir, we will simply add, it 
requires not the pen of eulogy to herald forth the virtues of 
this humble and devoted Christian : those who knew him best 
gave him full credit for the goodness of his heart, and beauty 
of his character. He died in the city of Allegheny, Jan. 17, 
1858. Over his grave in the beautiful ("God's Acre") 
Allegheny Cemetery, his executors have caused to be erected 
a stately and costly mausoleum, worthy of the character it com- 
memorates. This monument is surmounted by a colossal 
marble statue of Mr. Avery, and has on one side the figure of 
Charity, and on the other the figure of Justice, and on the other 
opposite sides the following appropriate mottoes : " The tree is 
known by its fruit." — Matt. xii. 33. "He hath dispersed 
abroad ; he hath given to the poor : his righteousness remaineth 
forever." — 2 Cor. ix. 9. " Remember the words of the Lord 
Jesus, how he said. It is more blessed to give than to receive." 
— Acts XX. 35. "The memory of the just is blessed." — 
Prov. X. 7. 



HENRY BALDWIN EARLE. 28/ 



HENRY BALDV/IN EARLE. 

Henry Baldwin Earle, as his name indicates, was called for 
one of the brightest luminaries of the Allegheny bar, who was a 
warm personal friend of the family : he was born in the borough 
of Pittsburg, on the north of Market Street, between Fourth 
Avenue and the Diamond, June i6, 1803, and died March 
28, 1883. He was educated at the Moravian College, Beth- 
lehem, Penn., and was married Aug. 22, 1830, to Miss Jane 
Douglass Kirkpatrick by the late Bishop John H. Hopkins, at 
the latter's residence on Western Avenue, Allegheny. They 
had ten children, seven of whom were boys, and three were 
girls: his wife and five children — four sons and one daughter 
— survived him. 

The family originally came from England, settled in New 
Jersey, and subsequently in Pittsburg, and were among its first 
settlers ; his father, William Earle, being mentioned in Breck- 
enridge's " History of the Western Insurrection," as one of the 
committee of twenty-one appointed by the loyal citizens to 
manage the part which the citizens should act in order to avoid 
the threatening complications. 

The subject of our sketch was at one time extensively en- 
gaged as a dry-goods merchant. In his early manhood he 
espoused the political doctrines of the old Whig party, and 
subsequently the principles of the Republicans ; was elected 
a member of councils from his native ward, and was ap- 
pointed treasurer of the fund raised for the relief of the suf- 
ferers at the great fire of April 10, 1845. He was also elected 
by the city councils to the position of wharf-master on the Al- 
legheny, and held it for quite a number of years. The duties 
of these several positions he discharged with the strictest 
honor and fidelity. The high estimation in which he was held 
politically and socially, is evidenced by the fact that during the 
year (1844) of the great Presidential contest between Henry 
Clay and James K. Polk, he received the unanimous Whig nom- 



288 HISTORTCAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ination for mayor of his native city : the result, however, of 
the election, proved the success of Alexander Hay the Independ- 
ent candidate. 

He possessed in an eminent degree a mind well disciplined 
by a liberal education, endowed by nature with the strength of a 
Hercules, quick and agile in his movements ; and to these excel- 
lences were added those rare qualities of the heart that make 
many and warm friends. Kind and unassuming in his inter- 
course with all, possessed of a generous and happy disposition, 
modest and retiring in his habits, and being entirely trust- 
worthy, he won the friendship and esteem of all who had the 
good fortune to enjoy his acquaintance. 

He was a self-made man. In all his business and social rela- 
tions he was firm and true to his professions ; and his success 
in life was the result of unswerving fidelity, virile energy, and 
diligent application. 

Some years before his death, he became afflicted with acute 
rheumatism, which subsequently assumed the chronic form : 
from this he suffered intensely, and his hitherto robust and 
vigorous physique became emaciated and feeble. Although his 
last days were marred with suffering, he gave evidence of his 
faith in a merciful Providence and the immortality of the soul. 
His character, like his frame, was established in the ardor of 
youth ; and a determined ambition to lead an honest life was 
succeeded by the cool, matured resolution of manhood, — power- 
ful to will, prompt to execute, and patient to endure. He was 
proof against idle hopes and the temptations of the world no 
less than against groundless fears, and the common vexations 
of life took less hold of his mind than the toils and suffering 
of his body. 

He was an enthusiastic lover and patron of the fine arts. 
In early youth he exhibited a talent for drawing and painting 
of no ordinary ability : these he studied under the teaching 
and auspices of his friend, the late Bishop John H. Hopkins. 
One of his sons inherited in an eminent degree the talent of 
the father, and is now a professional artist of considerable 
ability. He was also fond of piscatorial pursuits, and was an 
active member of the old Isaak Walton Club. 



CHARLES BREWER. 289 



CHARLES BREWER. 

Charles Brewer, late of the city of Allegheny, was born in 
Taunton, Mass., in 1784, He came to Pittsburg in 18 14, and 
was engaged for a number of years as a successful dry-goods 
merchant on the property which he owned, situated on the cor- 
ner of Market Street and Fifth Avenue. In 1832 he removed 
to the city of Allegheny, and entered his new mansion, erected 
in 1830 on the south side of Western Avenue, between Al- 
legheny Avenue and Fulton Street. He died in i860, in the 
seventy-sixth year of his age, leaving no issue. 

The following information is derived from a manuscript vol- 
ume of over fifty pages super-royal duo. size, containing a copy 
of his will, and a synopsis of the account of his executors, — 
William Holmes and Franklin H. Eaton. This manuscript was 
compiled by Mr. Thomas Marshall of the First Ward of the 
city of Allegheny, from the records of the court of Allegheny 
County, filed in the register's office, and was prepared solely in 
the interest of philanthropy, in order to preserve and perpetuate 
in a convenient form the voluminous evidence relative to the 
settlement of the estate that encumber the records, and is vir- 
tually entombed in the archives of the court. 

It is the first attempt that has been made to convey to the 
public mind a knowledge of the extraordinary benefits that were 
conferred, through Mr. Brewer's liberality, upon various be- 
nevolent institutions in this and other communities. It is more 
especially designed to give publicity to the origin of the noble 
charity which he founded, and which is known (only to a limited 
extent) as the " Brewer Fuel Fund." With this object in view, 
the author dedicated his book to his friend, the late John B. 
McFadden, one of the managers of the Western Pennsyl- 
vania Hospital ; and it was by him formally presented to William 
Holmes, one of the executors of Mr, Brewer's estate, who, in 
turn, donated it to the managers of the Western Pennsylvania 



290 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Hospital, who were by Mr. Brewer's direction constituted trus- 
tees perpetually of the " Brewer Fuel Fund," and who are, by 
Mr. Holmes's mandate inscribed on the book, required to " pre- 
serve and keep it in close connection with the account-book of 
the Brewer Fuel Fund." It is thus that the managers of the 
Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and their successors for all 
time to come, will be in possession of the history of the dis- 
tribution of the " Brewer estate," and the origin and intention 
of the greatest of Allegheny County's individual charities. 
Strange as it may appear, there is no other memorial of the 
man, save the sepulchral structure erected to his memory in 
the Allegheny Cemetery, with the vague inscription, " Brewer," 
chiselled upon it. 

By direction of a clause in his will, the receptacle which con- 
tains all that was mortal of him has recently been permanently 
closed, "never again to be opened." It is thus that he has 
willed that his charity shall continue, and that the recipients 
of his bounty shall not know whence it came. 

The following clippings from Pittsburg papers of March 27, 
1882, are of interest in this connection : — 

"A SEALED SEPULCHRE, THE KEY OF WHICH IS TO BE THROWN 
INTO THE ALLEGHENY RIVER. 

Singular Request of the Late Charles Brewer to be complied with To-day. 

To-day a very singular request in the will of the late Charles 
Brewer will be complied with at the Allegheny Cemetery in 
Lawrenceville. All old residenters in Pittsburg remember 
Mr. Brewer ; and his name is also quite familiar to our younger 
people, owing to the many charitable bequests he left behind 
him. Among these there are still in existence the Brewer 
Alcove in the Mercantile Library, and the Brewer Coal Fund, 
which has perpetuated his memory among the poor people of 
Pittsburg. At the time of his death he was very wealthy. 

THE BREWER VAULT. 

The particular feature of the will, to which we refer, will re- 
quire some words of explanation to be properly understood. 
The details are full of interest. The private Brewer burial- 
vault in the Allegheny Cemetery is familiar to many who have 



CHARLES BREWER. 291 

visited the place. It is situated just off the main road leading 
from the Butler-street entrance, and a short distance from 
the gate. It is one of the oldest sepulchres in the beautiful 
city of the dead, having been constructed shortly after the 
cemetery was established. When the vault was completed, the 
first bodies deposited within its walls were those of the father 
and mother of Mr. Brewer's wife, Mr. and Mrs. William Cecil, 
a venerable couple well known in the early days of Pittsburg, 
after whom Cecil Alley in the First Ward was named. Then 
other members of the Cecil family, and Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, 
and descendants of both families, were buried there, and the 
marble shelves in the vault rapidly filled up. 

MR. brewer's strange REQUEST. 

When Mr. Brewer made his will, he inserted a clause in re- 
lation to this vault, which was regarded as very singular. It 
was to the effect, that when the death of his niece, Miss Mary 
C. Hern of Allegheny, occurred, and her body was placed in 
his vault, it should be the last corpse deposited therein, and 
that, no matter how many vacant coffin-shelves remained, the 
lock on the door of the vault should then be hermetically 
sealed, and the key be throivn into the Allegheny River. It is said 
the words requiring the key " to be thrown into the Allegheny 
River," really occur in the will ; but whether they do, or not, his 
executors say he certainly meant that the key should be 
destroyed or lost. It is, of course, a matter of curiosity to know 
what motives led Mr. Brewer to make this requirement. Our 
informant, a reliable gentleman who was a close friend of Mr. 
Brewer, and who knows the history of his affairs and family, 
told the reporter of the Post last night, that it was probably 
a whimsical freak of Mr. Brewer, who had become somewhat 
childish as his death approached. He did not desire to have 
too many of the Herns buried in the vault, and perhaps con- 
cluded to prevent any further interments after Miss Mary's 
death. 

THE VAULT TO BE SEALED TO-DAY. 

Miss Mary C. Hern, the lady mentioned in the will, died in 
Allegheny on the 15th of September, 1877, and was buried in 



292 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

the Brewer vault three days later. Mr. F. H. Eaton, an exec- 
utor of Mr. Brewer, took the responsibility of not complying 
with the request of the deceased about closing the vault forever. 
There are twelve shelves in the vault ; and as only eleven 
were occupied, Mr. Eaton concluded to hold it open until the 
twelfth shelf should be taken. That shelf will be filled to-day. 

The corpse of Mrs. Frances Hern Burnside, who died in Al- 
legheny on Sunday, will be deposited there. She .was also a 
niece of Charles Brewer, sister of Mary Hern. The cemetery 
officials have been notified to have a supply of cement at the 
vault ; and before the carriages leave the spot, the queer request 
of the founder of the vault will be carried out, — the lock will 
be securely sealed, and Mr. Eaton, who has always had the key 
(a large brass one) in his possession, will throw it into the Al- 
legheny River, or dispose of it in some equally effectual manner. 

The funeral services over Mrs. Burnside's remains will be 
held at Trinity Church on Sixth Avenue, this afternoon, at 2.30 
o'clock, after which the funeral will proceed to the cemetery. 
The pall-bearers will be Messrs. H. J. Lynch, John Porterfield, 
Andrew Peebles, and Kinder Blair. 

It was mentioned yesterday that Isabella Martis of Lake, 
Brook County, 111., wrote to Mayor Lyon asking for informa- 
tion concerning Mrs. Burnside, who is her aunt. It is said she 
wanted to get hold of some property Mrs. Burnside leaves ; but 
it is not very valuable, and she will not get it." 

After making liberal provision in legacies and annuities to 
individuals, he bequeathed large sums of money to various 
benevolent institutions as follows : — 

" To the Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and 

Allegheny, in five annual payments of $500 each, $2,500 00 

To the Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and 
Allegheny, on their failure to realize a legacy 
made by the late Dr. Hartford .... 5,000 00 

To the Protestant Orphan Asylum of Pittsburg and 
Allegheny, for a new location and buildings for 
asylum 10,000 00 

To the Western Pennsylvania Hospital . . . 1,000 00 

To the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, for the depart- 
ment of the insane 1,000 00 



CHARLES BREWER. 293 

To the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, in trust for 

the Brewer Fuel Fund $10,000 00 

To the Church Home Association of Pittsburg, for a 
permanent asylum for the aged, infirm, and help- 
less members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 2,500 00 

To the Protestant Deaconesses' Institute (Passavants 

Hospital) 5,000 00 

To the Orphan Farm School, Zelienople (Passavants), 5,000 00 

To the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, to send 

colored people to Africa 5,000 00 

To the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, to acclimate 

colored people in Africa 2,500 00 

To the Seamen's Aid Society, to advance the moral 
condition of the seamen of the port of Phila- 
delphia 5,000 00 

To the Young Men's Bible Society of Pittsburg and 

Allegheny 1,000 00 

To Associate Missions among the Indians of Minne- 
sota 2,500 00 



The executors vi^ere invested by the terms of the will with unlimited 
powers and discretion in the management of the estate, extending over a 
period of eighteen years; viz., from April 7, i860, to March 4, 1878. During 
that period they filed in court sworn statements of their accounts at intervals 
of from two to four years, all of which were confirmed by order of the court. 
The seventh and final account was confirmed by the court on the date above 
stated, March 4, 1878. 

By extraordinarily good management, the executors were enabled to realize 
$492,046.75 from the estate, being more than three and three-fourths times 
its appraised value. 

A clause in the will provides, that, after the payment of the legacies and 
bequests enumerated in it, the remainder of the estate in the hands of the 
executors shall be distributed /r<7 rata among the institutions that were en- 
titled to the original bequests. This intention was carried out by the execu- 
tors, and, as will be seen by the reader, has resulted in an extraordinary 
benefaction to each of the institutions in question. 



*The Pittsburg and Allegheny Orphan Asylum has 

received 

*The Western Pennsylvania Hospital has received 
*The Brewer Fuel Fund has received . 
*The Church Home Association has received 
*Passavants Hospital has received . . . 
The Orphan Farm School has received 



$112,917 40 
12,904 78 

64,524 12 

16,131 10 

32,262 13 

32,262 13 



294 



HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



The Pennsylvania Colonization Society has received 
The Seamen's Aid Society has received 
*The Young Men's Bible Society has received . 
The Indian Missions of Minnesota have received 



Total 



$48,393 60 

32,262 13 

6,452 45 

16,131 10 

$374,240 94 



Each institution has been paid 6.45I times, or nearly six and one-half 
times, as much as was bequeathed to it. 

The amount bequeathed to institutions of Allegheny County (*) is $38,000. 
The aggregate amount which they received is $245,191.98 (two hundred and 
forty-five thousand one hundred and ninety-one dollars ninety-eight cents). 

Respectfully submitted. 

THOS. MARSHELL." 
"243 Rebecca Street, Allegheny." ^ 



JAMES C. BUTLER. 295 



JAMES C. BUTLER. 

In early days the " Commons " of Allegheny were quite cele- 
brated for the mihtary parades held there on those memorable 
days, so dear to the hearts of every American citizen, when 
hoary-headed men and unsophisticated youth mingled in the 
joyous throng, gazing with amazement on the " pomp and cir- 
cumstance of war." 

On one of these occasions the writer was present when the 
following affecting incident occurred, resulting in the death of 
a gallant officer : — 

Col. James C. Butler, the subject of this brief sketch, was 
born in the State of Connecticut in 1789. During his minor- 
ity he became inspired with the glowing tales told of the 
country made memorable by the struggles for supremacy be- 
tween the legions of France and the battalions of England, 
where the gorgeous Fleur-de-lis and the royal banner of St. 
George waved successively over the battlements of old Fort 

Duquesne. 

To this region, hallowed by the military services of the good 
and faithful Washington, his youthful ambition was directed : 
and having completed his arrangements, he left his Eastern 
home, launching his bark on the sea of uncertainty, freighted 
with the blessing of his parents, and kindness of friends ; he 
arrived in Pittsburg in 1810. 

After a careful examination of the locality, he resolved to 
settle here, and make it his future home. He was then in the 
full vigor of youth, endowed with a liberal education ; he gave 
evidence of abilities of no ordinary degree ; generous to a fault, 
possessed of a genial and happy disposition, he soon made for 
himself friends, and rose rapidly in the estimation of all who 
had the good fortune to become acquainted with his merits. 

Shortly after his advent in Pittsburg, and in accordance 



296 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

with the scriptural declaration, " it is not good for man to 
be alone," he wooed and won the affections of one of Pitts- 
burg's fair daughters. Miss Jerusha McKinney, to whom he 
was united in wedlock on the twenty-eighth day of April, 181 3. 

Extensive as the pursuits of civil life are, it failed to afford a 
sufficient field for his enlarged views and laudable ambition. 
His genius soared aloft into the empyrean of military tactics ; 
and having thoroughly mastered the science, he felt himself 
competent to serve his country in war whenever she might 
require his services. 

It was with the citizen soldiery that he chose to exercise his 
genius, and from the ranks he rapidly rose to the command 
of a regiment. The bright example of the heroes of the Revo- 
lution fired his youthful ardor, and impelled to follow in their 
brilliant footsteps. But alas ! he fell a victim to that science 
in which he so much gloried. 

In response to the pressing invitation of a volunteer com- 
pany about springing into existence, he consented to act as 
their commander ; and on that fatal tenth day of September, 
1 82 1, whilst instructing his command in military evolutions, 
and firing by platoons, he met with his sad fate. 

Full of ardor, he stood in his proper position, on the right, 
giving the order to fire, etc. After the first fire, and sub- 
sequent order to prepare for the second round, an unfortunate 
member of the first platoon, in loading up, discovered, to his 
dismay, that his former load had failed to explode ; and fearing 
the recoil of his musket, it was inadvertently swerved from 
the right direction, and in a line with the brave but unfortu- 
nate commander ; the unexploded cartridge taking fatal effect, 
shattering his left temple, and killing him almost instantly. 
Thus perished the gallant Butler in the thirty-second year of 
his age. 

In all his intercourse with his fellow-men, he zealously 
maintained a character for strict integrity, faithfully dischar- 
ging every duty : wise in counsel, strong in his friendship, as 
citizen and soldier he left behind him an untarnished reputation 
and an honored name. 

His remains were followed to the place of interment — the 



JAMES C. BUTLER. 297 

First Presbyterian Church burying-ground, Pittsburg — by his 
weeping relatives and sorrowing friends, preceded by the 
military and Masonic order. The solemn ceremonies on the 
occasion were conducted by the latter in the beautiful \and im- 
pressive ritual of the fraternity ; and amid the deep and impos- 
ing silence of the scene, arose clear and distinct the voice of 
the grand master in the touching and solemn declaration of the 
Scripture, " And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- 
forth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
labours ; and their works do follow them." 

His three daughters, Mrs. Minot Holmes, Mrs. J. M. Burch- 
field, and Mrs. Capt. William Dean, survived him. 



29S HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



HENRY CAMPBELL. 

CAMPBELL — Oct. 6, 1881, Henry Campbell, in the 78th year of his 
age. 

Funeral services at his late residence, No. 370 Ridge Avenue, Allegheny, 
Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 o'clock p.m. Interment private at a later hour. 

Henry Campbell was elected mayor in 1847 and 1848. He 
was born in the borough of Pittsburg, Oct. 17, 1803, on the 
west side of Fifth Street (now Fifth Avenue), between Market 
and Wood Streets. The building in which he was born is still 
standing, and is one of the few remaining landmarks of the 
olden time. It was at one time occupied as a hotel by John 
McClintock, and rendered famous for the good cheer and hos- 
pitalities dispensed by its worthy host. Its sign — a ship under 
full sail, with the significant motto of " Don't give up the 
ship" — will doubtless be remembered by many of our older 
citizens. 

Mr. Campbell's parents were among the early settlers of 
Pittsburg. On April 13, 181 3, they removed to Allegheny, to 
the west side of Middle Alley, between North and Strawberry 
Alleys (the latter now North Diamond Street) : from here they 
removed to the south-east corner of Federal Street and North 
Alley. From this point they removed in 18 17 to the west side 
of Federal, between the Diamond Square and Water Alley 
(now Park Way), and lived on property he owned and main- 
tained as a hotel. In 1829 they removed to the south-east 
corner of Ohio Street and the Diamond Square. 

He was variously employed in commercial and manufactur- 
ing pursuits. In 1831 he was extensively engaged with his 
brother-in-law, Capt. John Hay, in the manufacture of flint 
glass, under the name of Hay & Campbell. In 1834 he pur- 
chased his partner's interest, and formed a partnership with 
John E. Parke and James P. Hanna, under the name of Parke, 



HENRY CAMPBELL. 299 

Campbell, & Hanna. This firm was dissolved in 1838, and 
the business abandoned. He subsequently was engaged in 
steam-boating on the Ohio River. 

In politics he was formerly a leading Whig, and was after- 
ward an ardent supporter of the Republican cause. 

In 1840 and 1841 he was elected to the city councils. He 
was also elected city treasurer, and served in that capacity 
during the years 1854-57. 

Mr. Campbell acquired a fair education under the care of the 
early educators of Allegheny, — Thomas Salters and the Rev. 
Joseph Stockton. He is in a certain sense a "self-made man," 
and has established for himself an honorable distinction among 
his contemporaries. He possessed many warm personal friends, 
and enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence and esteem 
of all who know him. As a business man he evinced com- 
mendable enterprise, ability, and uprightness, and as a public 
officer won many commendations for his zeal and loyalty under 
all circumstances. 

He was married on the i8th of May, 1828, to Miss Sarah 
Anderson. 







00 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



ROBERT S. CASSATT. 

Robert S. Cassatt was chosen mayor of the city of Alle- 
gheny in 1846, succeeding Hezekiah Nixon. He was a resi- 
dent of the First Ward. He was born in the city of Wheeling, 
W.Va., in the year 1805. His father died in that city in 1807 : 
during the same year his mother removed to Pittsburg, where 
she subsequently married the late Paul Morrow. She was a 
lady of more than ordinary culture and intelligence, and pos- 
sessed all the virtues that adorn the female character : in short, 
she was considered a model matron, one of the excellent of 
earth. 

The subject of our sketch was highly educated, and possessed 
a fine personal appearance. Courteous and gentlemanly in his 
manners, these qualities won for him the confidence and esteem 
of the citizens generally. In the years 1847 and 1848 he was 
chosen president of the select council, the duties of which he 
discharged with manifest ability. 

Although his administration as mayor was unmarked by any 
event requiring special notice, he always sustained the reputa- 
tion of being a good and faithful officer. 

He was extensively engaged in the mercantile trade, cotton- 
manufacture, and the banking and broker business, the latter 
with George H. Cooke, on Wood Street, Pittsburg, under the 
name of Cooke & Cassatt. During the year 1848 he removed 
to Pittsburg, and resided on the corner of Penn Avenue and 
Marbury Street. He subsequently removed to Philadelphia, 
and afterwards to Europe for the purpose of educating his 
children : he remained in Europe six years, and, returning to 
his native land, he located again in Philadelphia. 

During his residence in Pittsburg and Allegheny, he was 
regarded as an intelligent and enterprising business man by all 



ROBER T S. CUSS A TT. 3 1 

who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Cassatt is a 
descendant of a family of French origin, who emigrated to this 
country at an early day, and settled in Bergen County, N.J. 
Subsequently they removed to York County, Penn., and located 
in a portion of the county now embraced within the limits of 

Adams County. 

He married Catherine, the only daughter of the late Alex- 
ander Johnston, the first cashier of the bank of Pittsburg, who 
was a descendant of Alexander Johnston of the Chester-county 

family of that name. 

His son, A. J. Cassatt, who has recently been elected one of 
the vice-presidents of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was born in 
the city of Pittsburg in the year 1846. He married a daughter 
of the Rev. Edward Y. Buchanan of Philadelphia. Although 
comparatively young in years, he has acquired a high reputation 
among railroad officials for intelligence and executive ability. 



302 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



WILLIAM COCHRAN. 

The subject of this brief sketch was born in the county of 
Derry, Ireland, on the 9th of November, 1777. He came to the 
United States in the year 1791, and settled in the city of Phila- 
delphia. In 1795 he left Philadelphia on account of the yellow- 
fever, which prevailed there at the time to an alarming extent. 
The fearful mortality and the fleeing, panic-stricken inhabitants 
left the city in an almost depopulated state. 

He came to Allegheny County the same year, and purchased 
from the government twelve hundred acres of unimproved 
lands in Pine township, which he divided into three farms of 
four hundred acres each. One of these he disposed of to his 
father, one to his brother George, the other he occupied him- 
self. Upon it all his children were born. 

He was married June 8, 1808, to Miss Mary Davis, by the 
Rev. Robert Steel, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Pittsburg. 

The lady was the sister of the late Judge Hugh Davis : she 
was born in the county Tyrone, Ireland, April 7, 1780. Her 
parents, with the family, came to this country in 1801, and set- 
tled on a part of a large tract of land which had previously 
been purchased by her father in Pine township, fronting on 
the Ohio River, and extending back so as to embrace the Ninth 
and Eleventh Wards of the city of Allegheny. She died at 
the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Jane Lecky, Jan. 28, 1877. 
In life she was highly esteemed as a devout Christian, and in 
her death deeply lamented by a large circle of loving friends 
and relatives. 

During the year 1809 Mr. Cochran was appointed a justice 
of the peace in and for the county of Allegheny, his residence 
being in Pine township. 

In 181 5 he was elected a member of the Legislature, and 



WILLIAM COCHRAN. 303 

was re-elected the following year. In the session of 1815 he 
had charge of the bill for the charter of the Allegheny Bridge 
Company (St. Clair Street), which passed both Houses, and 
was approved by the governor. 

He was the warm personal friend of the late President James 
Buchanan, who was also a member of the session of 18 15, and 
who greatly aided him in his efforts to have the application for 
that charter favorably considered. 

In 1826 he removed to Allegheny, and was appointed assist- 
ant warden of the Western Penitentiary. In 1831 he resigned 
the position ; and in 1832 he returned to his farm in Pine 
township, where he resided until 1859, when he again removed 
to Allegheny. 

He died in the city of Allegheny at the residence of his 
daughter, Mrs. Jane C. Lecky, May 12, 1867, aged ninety years, 
and was interred in the Allegheny Cemetery. 

Mr. Cochran and his wife in early life espoused the cause 
of religion, and always proved themselves humble and devout 
Christians. 

They united with the Highland Presbyterian Church of Ross 
township, afterwards by certificate with the Cross-roads Church 
of Pine township, and subsequently with the First Presbyterian 
Church of Allegheny, Rev. Joseph Stockton, pastor. 

They had five children, — two sons and three daughters, — 
viz., Robert D., George W., Mrs. Jane C. Lecky, Mrs. Sarah 
Ann McGonnigle, and Mrs. Eliza Davis. 

Mr, Cochran traced his Scottish ancestry as far back as the 
beginning of the seventeenth century. They were associated 
with the fearless signers of the " Solemn League and Cove- 
nant," and on account of the religious persecution, headed by 
the notorious " Claverhouse," fled to Ireland. The history of 
these eventful times must ever be associated with that of civil 
and religious liberty. 



304 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 



HUGH DAVIS. 

Hugh Davis, late of the city of Allegheny, was elected bur- 
gess May lo, 1830, and served in that capacity until 1838. 

He was born in the county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1777, and was 
a descendant of a Scotch-Irish stock. 

Enthused with the glowing tales related of the transatlan- 
tic Eldorado, he determined to leave his friends and native 
land, to seek his fortune in it. With this object in view, he 
came to the United States in 1801, and settled in what was 
then Pine township, Allegheny County, on a farm fronting on 
the Ohio River, now embraced within the limits of the Ninth 
and Eleventh Wards of the city of Allegheny. 

He was married in the borough of Pittsburg in 1805, to Miss 
Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Henderson, a prominent citizen 
of Pittsburg at that early day, by whom he had five children, 
three of which are now living, — two sons and one daughter, — 
viz., R. H. and H. E. Davis, and Hannah Morrison. 

He was a kind and affectionate parent, courteous and affable 
in his habits and disposition, and was marked for his strict 
integrity of purpose. He prospered in an eminent degree in 
all his business transactions, and by honest industry acquired a 
large and valuable property in the city of his adoption. 

The various positions of honor and trust conferred upon him 
from time to time without solicitation, afford the strongest 
testimony that could be offered of his sterling worth as a citi- 
zen. Whether as a public officer, merchant, or gentleman, he 
leaves behind the enviable record of an untarnished reputation 
and successful career. 

In 1 8 10 he received the appointment of deputy, under 
William Wasthoff, high sheriff of Allegheny County, and 
served with ability and fidelity. 

On the eighth day of April, 1822, he was duly commissioned 



HUGH DA VIS. 305 

by James Monroe, President of the United. States, marshal for 
the Western District of Pennsylvania, and on the twenty-sec- 
ond day of December, 1825, was re-appointed by President 
John Quincy Adams, as will more fully appear in the following 
correspondence had on the subject : — 

Department of State, Washington, i6th April, 1822. 

Jonathan H. Wilkins, Esq., Judge of the United States for the Western District 
of Feuftsylvania, Pittsburg. 

Sir, — I have the honor to enclose you herewith a commission appointing 
Husfh Davis, marshal of the United States for the Western District of 
Pennsylvania, and to request the favor of you, to deliver it over to him after 
he shall have given the official bond required by law, and complied with the 
usual f^'ms in such cases. 

I am very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

Department of State, Washington, 2d Feb., 1S26. 

Hugh Davis, Esq., Marshal of the United States for the Western District of Penn- 
sylvania, Pittsburg. 

Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that a commission appointing you 
marshal of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania has 
just been forwarded from this office to Mr. Wilkins, judge of the said dis- 
trict, with a request to him to deliver it over to you when you shall have 
given the official bond required by law, and complied with the established 
forms in similar cases : you will be pleased to acknowledge to this depart- 
ment the receipt of your commission so soon as it reaches you. 

I am very respectfully sir your obedient servant, 

H. CLAY. 

In- 1838 he was appointed by his Excellency Joseph Ritner, 
Governor of the State, associate judge of the Courts of Com- 
mon Pleas, Quarter Sessions, Oyer and Terminer, and Orphans, 
of the county of Allegheny. In this position he served for 
three years, giving entire satisfaction. 

In politics he consistently adhered to the principles of the 
Whig and Republican parties. 

He was ever loyal to his party and convictions, and expressed 
his opinions upon all proper occasions, though never offensively 
or unnecessarily obtruding them. 



306 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

His wife died at the family residence, north-west corner of 
Federal Street and Water Alley (now Park Way), in 1852 ; and 
on the 17th of February, 1862, he died at his mansion on 
Stockton Avenue, highly esteemed and much lamented by a 
large number of affectionate friends. 



HUGH S. FLEMING. 307 



HUGH S. FLEMING. 

Hugh S. Fleming was elected mayor, and served in that 
capacity during the years 1850, 185 1, and 1852. He was born 
in Ross township, Allegheny County, now Third Ward, Alle- 
gheny, March 26, 1820; has resided therein all his life, and is 
prominently identified with its local history. 

He acquired an ordinary academic education under the Rev. 
Joseph Stockton and John Kelly. In 1835 he entered the 
drug-store of H, P. Schwartz, and continued in the business 
until 1839. 

He early took an active part in the politics of the city and 
county, and was elected to the common council from the Third 
Ward in 1841, 1842, and also in 1859. During the latter term 
he was chosen its president. In 1853 he received the nomina- 
tion for county treasurer, and was elected on the Whig ticket. 
In 1 86 1 he recruited Company K of the Thirty-eighth Regi- 
ment, Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves, Col. Conrad Jackson com- 
manding; was mustered into the service with the company. May 
4, 1861, and commissioned as captain. He resigned June 27, 
1862, on account of impaired health. In 1870 he received the 
Republican nomination for sheriff, and was elected to succeed 
Samuel B. Cluley. This position he held for seven years. In 
1872 he was chosen to serve out the unexpired term of the 
late Mayor A. P. Callow : the emoluments of the office he gen- 
erously gave to his predecessor's widow. 

In all the various positions he held, he proved himself a gen- 
tleman of ability, integrity, and indomitable courage : prompt 
and energetic in his movements, he was eminently qualified to 
discharge the duties of his civil as well as his military appoint- 
ments. As an illustration of his efficiency as an executive 
officer, it may not be considered out of place to relate the 
following incidents. 



308 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 

During his administration as mayor in 185 1, he had occasion 
to issue a warrant for the arrest of a certain well-known des- 
perado (Jack Aldrich), who had evaded the vigilance of his 
police. Meeting his man accidentally on the street, he at once 
approached him, and, placing his hand upon his shoulder, said, 
" Come along, I want you," and after a short struggle suc- 
ceeded in taking him to the mayor's office, a feat which would 
scarcely have been attempted single-handed by any one know- 
ing the desperado. 

At a public meeting held in front of City Hall on Sunday 
afternoon on the occasion of the railroad riots in 1877, to adopt 
measures for the protection of the peace of the city, Mr. 
Fleming, with his characteristic promptness, was among the 
first to step to the front, and say, " Come, boys." His courage 
and calm determination with others on that eventful night 
served much to secure the city's safety. He also assumed the 
responsibility of stopping and searching the street-cars as they 
emerged from the suspension bridge, for suspicious characters 
and contraband articles, explaining to the conductors and 
drivers, that, if any objections were made by the authorities of 
the road, he would be personally responsible for results. 

On the occasion of the cotton-factory riots in 1850, word 
came to his office that considerable disorder and intense excite- 
ment prevailed among the employees of the cotton-mills, and 
that great danger to the Eagle Mill was apprehended. The 
entire police-force at that time consisted of six men. Mayor 
Fleming was not long in deciding his course of action : he 
immediately impressed into service a number of citizens, cloth- 
ing them with authority to act as special police. A load of 
wagon-spokes passing at the time, he stopped and ordered 
the driver to unload instanter. He did so unwillingly, but was 
somewhat re-assured by the fact that Mayor Fleming made 
himself personally responsible to the owner. These spokes 
served as formidable weapons in the hands of the " specials," 
whose numbers and martial appearance overawed the turbu- 
lent crowd, who, upon the conclusion of the mayor's address, 
quietly dispersed. 

In the year 1877 he was chosen president of the Third 



HUGH S. FLEMING. 309 

National Bank of Allegheny, and in 1879 ^^ ^^^.s elected a 
member of the select council from the Second Ward. 

He is still an active citizen, and, although pretty well up in 
years, retains the vigor of his early manhood. He mingles as 
usual in the busy whirlpool of politics, and is warmly and 
ardently attached to the doctrines of the Republican party, 
ever ready to advocate or defend them to the utmost of his 
ability. 

He was married in 1856 to Miss Julia H. Bollman. 



,10 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 



ROBERT W. PARK. 

Robert W. Park was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1853. 
He was born in the city of Pittsburg, on the west side of 
Third Street (now Third Avenue), between Wood and Smith- 
field Streets, in the year 1822, In 1826 his parents removed 
to Allegheny, and occupied the house on the north-west corner 
of the Diamond Square and Federal Street. 

Mr, Park is a gentleman of culture and refinement : having 
received a liberal education, he is well qualified to take a prom- 
inent position in all the relations of life. His genial manners, 
and kind and generous disposition, endeared him to all who had 
the pleasure of his acquaintance. In his youth he took an 
active and intelligent part in acquiring a knowledge of 
mechanics, and is the author of several ingenious and use- 
ful inventions, for which he has taken out patents. 

He married Miss Catherine, eldest daughter of the late 
William Robinson, who, during the latter part of his life, 
resided on the south-east corner of Cedar Avenue and Liberty 
Street, Allegheny, and who was generally termed Irish Wil- 
liam, in contra-distinction to Gen. William Robinson, who 
claims to be to the "manor born." 

Mrs. Park is a lineal descendant of Gen. John Wilkins, who 
was prominently identified with the early history of Western 
Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Park removed to Philadelphia in 1852. 



HUGH GALLAGHER. 311 



HUGH GALLAGHER 

Was born in the city of Philadelphia, Aug. 12, 1779; was 
married to Miss Margaret Hawk, a native of Ligonier Valley, 
Penn. She was born in 1783, and died in the city of Alle- 
gheny in 1837. Her father was a soldier in the British army 
during the French and Indian war, and also served with credit 
under Gen. Washington in the Revolution. He had three 
brothers who also served creditably in the same wars. 

The subject of this short sketch settled in Pittsburg in 181 1, 
and in 1826 took up his permanent residence in Allegheny, 
where he lived continuously until his death, which occurred 
Sept. 6, 1875, having reached the advanced age of ninety-six 
years. He wa^s a moulder by trade, and was at one time con- 
nected as a partner in the foundery and engine-shop carried on 
by Stackhouse and Tomlinson on the corner of Liberty and 
Short Streets, Pittsburg, where the engines were constructed 
for the first steamboats built at Pittsburg. He was celebrated 
among his friends and acquaintances for the intelligent interest 
he manifested in all matters connected with the history of the 
noble qualities of the horse, especially the racer. He was an 
ardent student of the diseases incident to them, and modus 
operandi of their cure : his services as an expert amateur 
veterinary surgeon were frequently called into requisition with 
marked success. 



312 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



4 



RICHARD GRAY. 

Richard Gray was a native of Ireland. He was born in 
the town of Drumgumberlancl, in the county of Donegal, in the 
year 1781. When in his eighteenth year, he came to the 
United States in search of better opportunities for making his 
way in the world, than were offered in his native land. 

Having acquired a liberal education in the schools of his 
native village, and being endowed with a hopeful and cheerful 
spirit, he felt himself fully qualified and willing to commence 
the active struggles of life, depending alone on his personal 
efforts for success ; and for this purpose he left his native land 
to seek a more congenial home in the Western World. 

He landed at the port of Philadelphia in 1789, where he re- 
sided for a year : he then decided to come westward, and arrived 
in Pittsburg in 1801. He determined, after a full examination 
of the surroundings, to make it his future home. 

His cheerful and buoyant spirit, his pleasant countenance, 
genial and agreeable manners, rendered him a pleasant com- 
panion. He evinced more than ordinary ability as a conversa- 
tionalist, ever ready, either in relation to Church or State, to 
give a reason for the hope he enjoyed. 

He was married in 1807 to Sarah, eldest daughter of Col. 
William Anderson of Revolutionary fame. 

In 1 8 10 he removed to Allegheny, and was engaged exten- 
sively in the manufacture of brick. The town at that early 
day was a mere hamlet of log cabins. 

His first residence on the north side was on the north-east 
corner of what is now called Anderson Street and River Ave- 
nue, where he established a ferry, and operated it for several 
years. It was at this point that the troops under Gen. Tanne- 
hill crossed the Allegheny River on their way to Black Rock 
in the war of 1812. Subsequently he erected the third brick 



RICHARD GRAY. 313 

house in Allegheny on Cedar Avenue, between Avery and 
Liberty Streets, on the site now occupied by "Gray's Row." 
Here he resided during his latter days. 

All the territory now embraced within the limits of the 
populous city of Allegheny was then a part of Ross township, 
and constituted but one election district : the place of voting 
was at the Green Tree tavern on the Perrysville road. 

Mr. Gray served in the council of the borough of Allegheny 
from its organization in 1828 to 1831, also in 1836, and in both 
branches of the city councils. He was one of the corporators 
for the erection of the Pittsburg and Allegheny Bridge, and 
was for many years connected with its management. In all 
the various positions to which he had been called, he took an 
active and intelligent part, and was always found faithful in 
guarding the interests committed to his care. 

He was a consistent and efficient member of the First Pres- 
byterian Church of Allegheny during the pastorates of the Rev. 
Joseph Stockton and Rev. E. P. Swift, and was a ruling elder 
under the latter at the time of his decease. 

Eminently successful in all his business transactions, he was 
always ready and willing to give his counsel and material aid to 
the misfortunate. He was charitable in his judgment of the 
weakness and shortcomings of others. Those who knew him 
best gave him full credit for his goodness of heart and integ- 
rity of purpose. In no instance, even when most unguarded, 
did he utter a sentiment that did not indicate the noble Chris- 
tian character of the man. 

His success in life was the result of an earnest purpose to do 
right : to it he devoted the energies of a whole life, — to 
accomplish it, he spared no labor. 

His faithful and loving wife survived him four years : she 
died highly respected and much lamented in the year 1853. 

Five children were the fruits of this marriage ; viz., Elinor 
Gray, James A. Gray, William C. Gray, Richard C. Gray, and 
Sarah Gray (now Mrs. James Park, jun.). Elinor died in 1833, 
in the twenty-fourth year of her age. Her premature death cast 
a gloom over a wide circle of relatives and personal friends, who 
loved her for the beauty of her character, her purity, unselfish- 



314 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ness, and freedom from vanity. James A., prominent in politics 
and business circles, died in 1876. 

The grandsire, Col. William Anderson, a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary army, joined the patriot forces shortly after his arrival 
in the country in 1776; thus evincing, by the trials and suffer- 
ings encountered during that eventful period, his devotion to 
the cause of his adopted land. He remained in the service 
until the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, at the siege of York- 
town ; after which he settled in Cumberland County, near Car- 
lisle, Penn., where he married, and where all his children were 
born, except the youngest, — three sons and four daughters, — 
viz., Paul, James, William, Sarah (Mrs. Gray), Letitia (Mrs. 
Caldwell), Mary (Mrs. Way), and Clarissa (Mrs. Hender). Mrs. 
Way is the only one of this large family now living (1881) : she 
resides in the family mansion near Sewickly, full of years and 
hopes of a blessed immortality. 

In addition to Col. Anderson's fame as a gallant soldier, his 
ability as a mechanic was considered of the highest order. He 
erected the first Presidential mansion at Washington, D.C., 
which was subsequently destroyed by the British troops under 
Gen. Ross, Aug. 24, 18 14. He was the personal friend of 
Gen. James O'Hara, upon whose invitation he determined to 
come to Pittsburg with a view of superintending the erection 
of the public buildings in Allegheny County. On his route, 
with this object in view, he was detained at Bedford in con- 
sequence of the troubles arising out of the Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion. At this point his youngest daughter, Clarissa, was born. 

On his arrival in Pittsburg, he connected himself with the 
First Presbyterian Church, and was one of the principal con- 
tributors to the erection of the brick church on the site of the 
then log edifice, and which was afterwards taken down, and the 
present magnificent structure erected. His three sons served 
in the war of 18 12 with credit. The records of their military 
services prove them worthy scions of their patriotic sire. 



JOHN HANNEN. 315 



JOHN HANNEN. 

Sketch of the Builder and First Warden of the Western Penitentiary. 

In preparing this brief memoir of the late John Hannen, 
how far I may be able to do justice to his memory, I will leave 
to others who knew him best while living, to decide. 

Writers, as a general thing, are more apt to confine them- 
selves to the memoirs of heroes and statesmen, whose love of 
country and high-toned courage have justly adorned the pages 
of our national history ; and this may be considered just and 
proper, provided it does not cast in the shade the merits of 
those in humbler life. The passion for military glory, or fame 
won by eloquence, induces the people of all countries to devour 
with avidity any fact recorded upon these fruitful themes, 
because both are calculated to excite a proper ambition, as well 
as a love of country. But while we are willing to accord the 
meed of praise justly due these great men, let us not forget 
that others have arisen from comparative obscurity, who for 
usefulness, goodness, and philanthropy, are equally entitled to 
our favorable recognition. 

The deceased was born in Strasburg, Lancaster County, 
Penn., on the 26th of January, 1777. He was married in 
Stoystown, Somerset County, Penn., to Elizabeth Richards, 
Jan. I, 1800. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Pitts- 
burg, Penn. He was a brick-mason by trade, and followed it 
up to the time of the completion of the Western Penitentiary, 
on which he was engaged, in connection with the late Thomas 
Fairman, as contractor. 

On the completion of the penitentiary, in 1826, he was 
appointed its first warden, which position he held until the 
year 1829. His first residence was on Sixth Avenue, Pitts- 
burg, on the site now occupied by the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. On the twenty-second day of July, 1823, he 



3l6 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

had the misfortune to lose his beloved consort, who died at the 
old homestead, full of hope in the promises of a blessed immor- 
tality. Subsequently, on the 30th of January, 1827, he was 
married to Mrs. Clarissa Caldwell, who survived him a few 
years, and died at Meadville, Crawford County, Penn., full of 
years and Christian hopes. By his first marriage he had nine 
children, — two sons and seven daughters; one son and two 
daughters died in early life ; the others reached their majority. 
Mrs. Eleanor Bushnell, Mrs. Jane H. Parke, and Mrs. Sarah 
E. Blake are the only ones living of this family. By the 
second marriage he had two children, a son and daughter, who 
are also living, and reside at Meadville. Subsequently he 
resided on the corner of Ohio and Sandusky Streets, Alle- 
gheny. About this time he carried on the drug-business on 
the south-west corner of Market and Liberty Streets, Pittsburg, 
and also, in connection therewith, the manufacturing of white 
and red lead on Sandusky Street, Allegheny, on the site now 
occupied by the Covenanter Church. 

During his residence in Pittsburg, he received the appoint- 
ment of justice of the peace, the duties of which he discharged 
with rare integrity. He early connected himself with the First 
Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, and for many years exercised 
the office of ruling elder. In the year 1830 he was chosen 
one of the three elders at the organization of the First Church 
of Allegheny. 

The Rev. E. P. Swift says of him, " For years he stood 
among the eldership of these cities, and I may say of this 
synod, as pre-eminent for the depth and vigor of his piety, the 
consistency of his Christian life, and the abundance of his 
evangelical efforts to do good. The lineaments of his counte- 
nance bore the impress of the tranquillity of his mind and the 
kindness of his heart." 

The Rev. Elliot E. Swift thus speaks of him : " It was his 
custom to linger, particularly at the close of the evening ser- 
vice, to enjoy the company of his pastor on their homeward 
way. Often by the help of their lantern they would pick their 
steps along the street, conferring together of the interest of 
the church. He carried the old-time ivory-headed cane, and 



JOHN HANNEN. 3 1 7 

walked with careful and deliberate tread. No better concep- 
tion of his character can be obtained than is derived from the 
fact that he was called the 'beloved disciple.' He was particu- 
larly solemn and impressive in prayer; and in leading the devo- 
tions of the communicants' meeting, he seemed to have a lofty 
conception of what it was capable of being made." 

Mr. James McKain, who was associated with him in the 
eldership for nearly forty years, says, " In all my association 
and intercourse with this godly man, I can truthfully say, in 
the fullest meaning of the words, he was a righteous man, cer- 
tainly one of the purest Christians I have ever met. I vener- 
ate his memory. He was truly a man of God, and has made 
for himself a record superior to the wisest and greatest states- 
man or soldier with his military renown. He has been the 
means, in the hands of God, of the salvation of many souls, 
who are now brilliant gems in his celestial crown of glory. 
. . . He was ever active and faithful in the discharge of his 
duty as ruling elder, until the mysterious, afflicting hand of 
Providence was laid upon him, rendering a continuance of 
these duties impracticable. Although his last days were 
marked with extreme suffering, he died in the triumph of faith 
in the promises of his blessed Master." 

He continued to exercise his office in the church until the 
year 1843, when he removed to Manchester (now embraced in 
the Fifth and Sixth Wards of the city of Allegheny), and there 
became an elder in what is now called the Second Presbyterian 
Church of Allegheny. Subsequently he removed to Meadville, 
Penn., where he died on the fifteenth day of December, 1854, 
aged seventy-seven years and ten months. 

His character, like his frame, was established in youth. Under 
every circumstance of life — like a clear water-drop in amber — 
there ever abode within him the tenderness of heart he ac- 
quired from the gentle teaching received in his early youth. 

Those who knew him best gave him full credit for his many 
Christian virtues. 

His heart was attentive to the cry of the helpless and op- 
pressed. To assist the one, and uphold the other, was his 
constant aim. 



3l8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

He early espoused the cause of the colored race in their 
struggles for freedom, and often expressed his abiding faith 
that God in his own good time would raise up a second Moses 
to lead this down-trodden people from their dark and gloomy 
condition, to the light of freedom and their rights as men, 

A warm and zealous advocate of the cause of temperance, he 
early took an active and intelligent interest in all questions 
bearing upon the movement, believing its opposite to be the 
fruitful source of crime and unhappiness. He manifested by 
his walk and conversation his hostility to the demoralizing habit, 
and he was ever ready to counsel and encourage the repentant 
inebriate. Many revere his memory for the good they realized 
from his kind and gentle admonitions. 

In the sabbath school he always took an active part, believ- 
ing it to be the nursery of the church, leading souls to Christ. 
Many of the young have abundant reasons to be thankful for 
the good derived from his labor of love. In every relation of 
life, either in Church or State, he proved himself a man of ster- 
ling integrity, conscientiously performing the duties committed 
to his care. Wise in counsel, and true in his friendship, he 
leaves behind him, as a parent, citizen, and Christian, the best 
of all legacies, — a blameless reputation and an honored name. 

It may not be considered irrelevant to this imperfect sketch, 
to introduce a few incidents illustrative of prison life experi- 
enced by John Hannen during his official relation of warden. 
His kind and considerate treatment of the unfortunate pris- 
oners had the happy effect, in a certain degree, to soften the 
asperities of their confinement. Notwithstanding their misfor- 
tune aroused the sympathetic feeling of his nature, he never 
for a moment relaxed his vigilance in guarding the trusts com- 
mitted to his care. His confidence in their repentance and 
good behavior was rarely betrayed. One of the incidents 
referred to was of an alarming nature, and bade fair to result in 
serious consequences. Although fifty years have passed away, 
yet the scenes of that fearful night left an impression on the 
writer's memory, enduring as life itself. 

An organized effort by the prisoners of one of the wards to 
escape, was betrayed to the warden by one of their number, 



JOHN HANNEN. 3 1 9 

who was far gone in consumption, and whose death was daily 
expected. On the information thus obtained, the authorities 
went gently to work, so as not to alarm the other prisoners, to 
organize a volunteer force in addition to the regular guard, to 
meet the exigency of the contemplated outbreak, the writer 
being one of the volunteers. On the first regular nightly 
round, we were quietly introduced into the ward, and took our 
stations under cover of an out-house. The guard having made 
their examination, and finding all apparently right, retired, lock- 
ing us in. Silence reigned supreme for a while, then the nov- 
elty and danger of our position became apparent. True, we 
were armed ; but what could four novices expect to accomplish 
against twenty or thirty desperate men in their struggle for 
liberty, limited by the order of the warden that under no cir- 
cumstances should we kill } 

At length the silence was broken by calling softly to each 
other, and the desperate struggling of some one immediately 
opposite our concealment, indicated by his curses and laborious 
breathing. The night being dark, and no light in the ward, we 
had to depend solely on the sense of hearing. Silence having 
again been restored, we remained concealed until about mid- 
night, the pre-arranged time for the guard to again appear. 
The examination of each prisoner disclosed the fact that all 
were prepared for the bold attempt. A large and powerful 
mulatto, in whom the officers had reposed the most confidence, 
was the ringleader in the plot. He had fashioned a key out of 
some filched material ; and in his intense eagerness to accom- 
plish his purpose, had broken it short in the lock, thus dissipat- 
ing all hope of escape at the time. 

The incident connected with the notorious and successful 
escape of Lindsay and Garrabrants partook, in some degree, 
of the nature of a romance. The former was an extraordinary 
man, and had often asserted that the prison had not been built, 
nor the irons forged, that could hold him a prisoner. In view 
of these bold and defiant declarations, he was guarded with 
more than ordinary care. Notwithstanding, he effected his 
escape (taking Garrabrants along with him), by the aid of a 
key ingeniously manufactured out of the copper spouting, and 



320 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

which he left with a message to the warden, stating that he 
had started for Washington City to take out a new patent for 
an old Yankee trick. He was arrested in Canada ; and the 
warden was instructed to go there at once, and claim the fugi- 
tive. On the return to the United States, while crossing the 
lake, he contrived to free himself of his irons ; and to the aston- 
ishment of the warden, he found his prisoner promenading the 
deck free from his shackles. Upon inquiring how he did it, 
and what he did with the irons, to the former he replied that 
that was another Yankee trick, for which he had not yet taken 
out a patent : the latter he would answer, provided a promise 
was given not to put them on until near port. The required 
promise having been given, he told where he had ingeniously 
hidden them about the machinery of the boat. As the vessel 
was entering the port of Erie, he quietly submitted to be 
ironed again, and was safely returned to his old quarters. 

John Hannen died as he lived, a devoted and humble Chris- 
tian : although pain and suffering marked his latter days, his 
faith in the divine declaration, "Whom the Lord loveth, he 
chasteneth," never forsook him. The privations of the body 
had the effect of rendering his mind somewhat inert ; yet from 
time to time, by a mighty effort, he would arouse himself to 
act as vigorously as ever. 

Who would not desire to have the ending of their earthly- 
journey adorned with the surpassing grace and glory of the 
dying Christian ? As the brightness of the morning star pales 
before the superior glory of the rising sun, as the rosy dawn 
brightens into full day, so does the Christian's hope take away 
the terrors of death, and leaves for the living a day of glory. 
" Let my last end be like his." 



GEN. ALEXANDER HAYS. 32 1 



GEN. ALEXANDER HAYS. 

This gallant officer was born in Franklin, Venango County, 
Penn., on the eighth day of July, 18 19, He was the son 
of Gen. Samuel Hays and Agnes Hays, whose maiden name 
was Broadfoot. In 1840 he graduated at Allegheny College, 
Meadville, Penn., and in the same year entered the West Point 
Military Academy, in which institution he also graduated in 
1844, and was breveted second lieutenant in the Fourth Infan- 
try. His regiment was among the first to advance upon the 
enemy's territory in the late war with Mexico. In the memo- 
rable engagements of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, he 
displayed great bravery and undaunted courage, capturing, in 
connection with Lieut. Woods, the first gun taken from the 
Mexicans. In the latter action, he was seriously wounded. In 
recognition of his gallant and meritorious conduct on these 
occasions, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and 
was transferred to the Eighth Infantry. The painful nature of 
his wound, however, rendered him unfit for active duty, in view 
of which he was ordered on recruiting service, but soon rejoined 
the army at Vera Cruz, with over two hundred recruits. He 
participated in all the principal battles of the war, and for his 
gallant and efficient services received the earnest commenda- 
tion of the commander-in-chief. 

In 1846 he was married to Miss Annie, daughter of the late 
John B. McFadden. In 1848 he resigned his commission in 
the regular army. The education he acquired at West Point 
made him an efficient civil engineer ; and at this period the 
importance of railroad construction was agitating the country, 
and it had need of talents of this kind. 

In California he first found employment, and subsequently in 
Western Pennsylvania. He was employed as chief in making 
the preliminary survey for the Allegheny Valley Railroad, and 



322 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

making draughts for the construction of bridges, etc. In 1856 
he was appointed by councils, chief engineer of the city of 
Allegheny. 

Fired with becoming zeal and military ardor, at the com- 
mencement of the late civil war, he cast aside the implements 
of his profession, and recruited a military company in Pittsburg, 
under the call for the three-months' service, called the City 
Guards, of which he was chosen captain. 

They were soon on their way to Harrisburg, to join the other 
troops concentrating there for assignment to duty. In a short 
time he was commissioned major of the Twelfth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

During the summer of 1861 he was tendered the position of 
captain in the Sixteenth United-States Infantry, but declined 
the honor ; and at the close of the term of service of the 
Twelfth, he returned to his home, and immediately commenced 
recruiting a regiment for the war. 

His comrades of the City Guards, in whom he had infused his 
own military ardor, followed him, thus forming the nucleus of 
the Sixty-third Regiment, of which he was commissioned colo- 
nel. The regiment, having been thoroughly drilled and disci- 
plined at Camp Wilkins, departed for the war. 

The military record of this regiment is full of heroic deeds, 
brilliant achievements, and laurels gathered on many battle- 
fields, hallowed and made memorable by the blood of its deci- 
mated ranks. 

Col. Hays possessed a warm friend and comrade in the brave 
and heroic Gen. Kearney, who took occasion on several well- 
contested battle-fields to highly compliment him for his cool 
and indomitable courage, and skill in handling his regiment. 

During the interim occurring between the engagement at 
Fair Oaks and the seven-days' battle, the Sixty-third occupied 
the front facing Richmond, and was frequently engaged in 
attacks with the enemy, and was the last to leave the intrench- 
ments upon the retreat to the James, and, when in the vicinity 
of Charles-city Cross-roads, was attacked with determined 
force and earnestness by the enemy. Col. Hays, however, was 
fully prepared with his well-disciplined regiment to give them 



GEN. ALEXANDER HAYS. 323 

a warm reception. It was here that the intrepid Hays with the 
Sixty-third Pennsylvania and a part of the Thirty-seventh New 
York were advanced to the line of the battery ; and amidst 
the carnage of that eventful period, the gallant colonel and 
his noble regiment won for Pennsylvania laurels of imperish- 
able fame. What grape and canister failed to accomplish, was 
effected by the determined charge and raking volleys of the 
indomitable infantry. Checked by the raking fire of the rifles, 
the foe sullenly retired, disputing every inch of ground : the 
space between the opposing forces having been cleared, orders 
were issued to the Sixty-third to "lie low," and the artillery 
again commenced its terrible work of destruction. 

At the second battle of Bull Run, the Sixty-third and the 
Fortieth New York suffered severely : it was in this engagement 
that Col. Hays, while leading his command up to the breast-work 
occupied by the enemy, was shot in the ankle, terribly shat- 
tering the limb. For the heroism manifested on this occasion, 
he was promoted and confirmed a brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, and lieutenant-colonel in the regular army. 

His command captured during the war twelve banners and 
battle-flags, and over three thousand stand of arms. He par- 
ticipated in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac 
up to the day of his death, which occurred at the battle of the 
Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Whilst advancing in line through 
its labyrinthian mazes, he suddenly encountered the enemy's 
forces. In the early part of the battle, amid the smoke and 
roar of the artillery, and rattle of musketry, he had ridden along 
his entire front ; pausing on his return for a moment in front of 
his favorite regiment, the Sixty-third, he was struck with a 
minie ball, which penetrated the brain ; he sank unconscious to 
the ground ; in the brief space of two hours he expired in the 
arms of his sorrowing comrades, who, whilst the storm of battle 
still raged, bore his body to the rear ; from thence it was con- 
veyed to his home in Pittsburg. 

The day of his funeral was a sad one to the citizens gen- 
erally. The trappings of mourning, and evidence of sorrow, 
everywhere met the eye, and roused a response in every heart. 
All that was mortal of this gallant soldier repose in the Alle- 



324 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

gheny Cemetery, over which an appropriate and beautiful 
monument has been erected by loving friends as an appropriate 
memorial. 

He possessed all the qualifications for a commander ; thor- 
oughly educated in all the theories as well as the sterner prac- 
tice of war, he had omitted nothing that would enable him to 
defend his post as a man of courage ; a soldier by profession 
and name, to his natural and acquired abilities he added a clear 
judgment, a strong mind, and the courage of a hero. 

His orders were few, but they were always to the point, 
marked by brevity ; they were obeyed with alacrity, and carried 
out with a perfect reliance upon his sagacity and bravery : with 
his trusty sword he has established his fame, and fenced it 
around by his gallant deeds. 

He leaves to his widow and orphan children the proud legacy 
of a brilliant record of military achievements. 



GEORGE S. HAY, M.D. 325 



GEORGE S. HAY, M.D., 

Was born on his father's farm in St. Claire township, Alle- 
gheny County, Sept. 28, 1807. After acquiring a rudimentary 
education in the schools of his native place, he entered the 
Western University of Pennsylvania, and devoted himself 
zealously to an academic course of studies. 

At an early age he evinced a decided inclination towards the 
profession of medicine. With this object in view, he entered 
the office of the late Peter Mowry, M.D., under whose instruc- 
tion he evidenced the possession of eminent abilities, which 
ultimately- enabled him to take a prominent and enviable posi- 
tion among his contemporaries. 

Thoroughly inspired with an ardent desire to perfect himself 
in all the principles and manifold details involved in the study 
of the profession, he attended two courses of lectures in the 
Medical University of Pennsylvania, in which he graduated, and 
had the degree of M.D. conferred upon him. 

On his return to the rugged hills and valleys of his native 
place, he commenced the active practice of his profession, 
meeting with marked success. The high position to which he 
attained, in a great measure was won by his indomitable per- 
severance, promptness, and professional ability. 

He was married three times, in the following order : To Miss 
Mary Taylor of Hobbestown, Allegheny County, Penn., on the 
twenty-second day of May, 1835, who died April i, 1839. The 
issue of this union were two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. 
The former died in infancy : the latter is still living, married, 
and with her husband, Mr. Hernott, resides at Redwood, 
Minnesota. 

Early in the year 1844 he was again united in marriage to 
Mrs. Rachel Montgomery, nee Arthur, of the city of Pitts- 
burg, who died in the latter part of the same year. She and 
her infant occupy the same grave. 



326 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

He married his third wife, Maria Thompson, n^e Beltzhoover, 
of Allegheny County, Feb. 5, 1846, who died in the city of 
Allegheny, March 16, 1882. The fruits of this marriage were 
two sons and one daughter, named respectively Robert, George 
S., and Maria, wife of Addison Lysle. 

In 1847 he was elected on the Whig ticket, prothonotary of 
Allegheny County; held office until 185 1, the duties of which 
he discharged to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. 

At the commencement of the late civil war he recruited a 
company, and was elected its captain, which subsequently 
became united with the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, Thirty- 
seventh Regiment, as Company C. 

The Eighth Reserves were formed from companies recruited 
for the three-months' service, but were not accepted, the quota 
having been filled, and who were rendezvoused at Camp 
Wright on the bank of the Allegheny, under the command of 
Col. J. W. Lane. There were at that time forty-three com- 
panies here assembled, and only those from Erie County had a 
regimental organization. In June, 1861, Gen. McCall visited 
Camp Wright, and selected the companies to form the Eighth 
Reserves, who were ordered to Camp Wilkins, and there organ- 
ized on the 28th of June, the subject of our sketch being 
placed in command. He being well versed in military science, 
having commanded the Duquesne Grays, an organization of 
considerable notoriety, it was considered a wise selection. The 
regiment being now armed, uniformed, and thoroughly drilled 
by battalions, the camp was placed under the command of Col. 
Hay until the 20th of July, when the regiment was ordered to 
Washington, arriving there on the 23d of July, and went into 
camp on Meriden Hill. From hence it was transferred on the 
2d of August to the Reserve Camp at Tennalytown, and 
assigned to the first brigade, Gen. John F. Reynolds, command- 
ant. From the latter position the regiment, on the 9th of 
October, crossed the Potomac to Langley, Va., and went into 
winter quarters. 

In forming the line of battle at Charles-city Cross-roads, the 
first brigade was held in reserve ; but as the struggle became 
desperate and doubtful, the Eighth was ordered to advance to 



GEORGE S. HAY, M.D. 327 

a position opposite the Sixth Georgia, which was on the point of 
charging. Here the gallant Eighth, under an impetuous onset 
led by their intrepid colonel, forced the Georgians to retreat : 
the enemy, however, massing their forces on that point of the 
field, the Eighth was reluctantly compelled to retire, until it 
reached support from a new line. In this engagement, Col. 
Hay had his horse killed under him, and was himself severely 
injured. Notwithstanding, he immediately mounted another 
horse, and remained on duty to the close of the conflict. This 
was the last battle he was engaged in : owing to loss of health, 
he was compelled to resign his command on the eleventh day 
of July, 1862. 

His medical knowledge and experience, especially as a sur- 
geon, were frequently called into requisition for consultation 
during his command of the regiment. 

Courteous and affable towards all in his private and public 
life, he was esteemed for the goodness of his heart, suave and 
gentlemanly manners. 

He died at the home of his son Robert in the city of Alle- 
gheny, on the twenty-fourth day of February, 1884. As a 
Christian parent and friend, he was highly esteemed. To his 
children he bequeaths the legacy of an honorable professional 
and military career. 



328 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



JOHN IRWIN. 

The subject of this brief sketch had the honor of being 
chosen May lo, 1828, first burgess of the borough of Alle- 
gheny, in pursuance of the Act of incorporation approved 
April 14, 1828. He was born in the borough of Pittsburg, 
July I, 1787. His father, Col. John Irwin, was an officer in 
the Revolutionary army, who was severely wounded in the san- 
guinary night attack on the American camp at Paoli. 

Col. Irwin was a prominent member of the Cincinnati Soci- 
ety, an order established in the United States by the officers of 
the army in 1783, "to perpetuate their friendship, and raise a 
fund for the relief of the widows and orphans of those who had 
fallen in defence of their country." The State society is still 
in existence, and meets annually in the city of Philadelphia. 

It was so named in honor of Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus, 
the Roman sage and warrior. Its membership included 
patriots headed by Washington, who, like the great Roman, 
left their rural pursuits in order to serve their country, and at 
the close of hostilities returned to them. 

The emblem of the society is an eagle suspended by a blue 
ribbon with a white border, symbolical of the friendship then 
existing between France and the United States. On the 
shield covering the breast of the eagle is the figure of Cincin- 
natus receiving the military ensign from the Roman senators, 
with the plough and other implements of agriculture in the 
background. Surrounding the whole is the motto, Ojnuia 
reliquit servarc rcm-piiblicam. The society is hereditary in its 
operations, the membership descending from father to son to 
the latest generation. 

Mr. Irwin was a rope-manufacturer, a knowledge of which 
he acquired when a mere lad under the teachings of his father 
and mother, who carried on the business under the name of 



' JOHN IRWIN. 329 

John Irwin & Wife, and who were the successors of the firm 
that established the first ropewalk in Western Pennsylvania, in 
1794, on the ground now occupied by the Monongahela House. 

The wounds received by his father rendered him unable to 
attend to the details of the business : the management was 
therefore entirely left to the mother and son. At his death, 
the son became a partner in the business, and it was contin- 
ued under the style of Mary Irwin & Son. 

Col. Irwin died May 5, 1808, in the fiftieth year of his age. 
His remains were interred in the First Presbyterian burying- 
ground, with military and Masonic honors, in the presence of a 
large concourse of his fellow-citizens. 

In 1795 the works were removed to the square bounded 
by Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt Alley. 
His mother, on account of her advanced age and loss of health, 
sold out her interest to her son, and retired to private life. 

The works were subsequently removed to the bank of the 
Allegheny River between Marbury Street and the Point, where 
the entire rigging for Perry's fleet was prepared. 

In the year 181 3 he commenced the erection of works in 
Allegheny, on a more extensive scale. In July, 1836, they 
were destroyed by fire twice in the same month. They were 
promptly rebuilt, and the business continued until 1858, when 
He ceased business, and retired to private life. 

He acquired a liberal English education in the schools of his 
native city, and was for a number of years before his death a 
director of the bank of Pittsburg. 

High as his business qualification ranked in the branch of 
industry with which he had so long been connected, it stood no 
higher than his personal reputation in the estimation of the 
community generally. Many places of political preferment had 
been tendered him ; but he uniformly declined such distinction, 
believing, that, by diligently caring for the extensive manu- 
facturing interest in which he was engaged, he could better 
serve the public than by the acceptance of a political position. 

In 1 8 10 he was married by the Rev. Joseph Stockton to 
Miss Hannah, daughter of the late Rev. John Taylor, rector 
of the Episcopal (Round) Church, then located on the trian- 



330 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

gular lot bounded by Wood, Liberty, and Sixth Avenue, 
Pittsburg. 

His wife died in 1844. He was subsequently married to 
Mrs. Abigail Paul, daughter of the late Rev. Elisha McCurdy, 
in the year 1847. 

He was a man of fine personal appearance, firm in posture, 
and elastic in his movements, courteous and affable in his 
manners, and was remarkable for his strict integrity. He was 
a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alle- 
gheny, and always took an active and intelligent part in all its 
movements, and was ever faithful in his attendance, and zealous 
in promoting its welfare. He died at his residence in 
Sewickly, Penn., June 30, 1863. 



JOSIAH KING. 331 



JOSIAH KING. 

JosiAH King was born Oct. 3, 1807, in Waterford, Erie 
County, Penn., on the site of Fort Le Boeuf, one of the chain 
of forts established by the French, from the lakes to the head 
waters of the Ohio, and died in Allegheny, Dec. 18, 1882. He 
descended from an Anglo-Irish stock on the paternal side, and 
Scotch-Irish on the maternal. 

His grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution, served with 
distinction, and was promoted to a captaincy for his gallantry at 
the storming of Yorktown. 

On the occasion of the visit of Gen. Lafayette to this 
country in 1825, the general called upon Capt. King, whose 
acquaintance he had made during the war. 

The captain, being a surveyor, spent a large portion of his 
time, after the close of the war, in regulating property lines in 
the then wild lands of that section. He also carried on an 
extensive trade with the Indian tribes on the borders of Lake 
Superior. 

He was educated at the academy of his native place, and 
improved his time and opportunities as fully as circumstances 
would permit. 

At the age of twelve years he was apprenticed for seven 
years to the mercantile business. 

Having reached his majority, he determined to seek his for- 
tune in a more extensive field of operation than his native place 
afforded ; in view of which, he selected the city of Pittsburg as 
his future home. He commenced his journey in 1827, by 
the then usual mode of conveyance between the lakes and the 
Ohio, — in a flat-boat, by French Creek to the Allegheny 
River and thence to the point of destination. 

Immediately on his arrival in the city, a stranger in a strange 
land, he sought and obtained a situation in the commercial es- 



332 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

tablishment of the late Isaac Harris, one of the most prominent 
and widely known business men of the West ; and was subse- 
scquently appointed the first agent of the line of freight and 
passenger boats on the Pennsylvania Canal. 

In 1 83 1 he became associated with the late John Dalzell in 
the wholesale grocery and produce business: in 1836 the part- 
nership was dissolved by the death of Mr. Dalzell, and was 
immediately re-organized under the title of King and Holmes. 
The firm carried on an extensive trade, East and West, for 
over nine years. 

Mr. King had now become generally and favorably known as 
a thorough business man, and his services were sought for in 
municipal matters. 

He was for several years elected a member of the city coun- 
cils, during which time he took an active and intelligent part 
in all questions bearing upon the improvement of his adopted 
city. Among the important measures advocated by him was 
the paving of the Monongahela Wharf. 

In 1846 he turned his attention to the manufacture of cotton 
goods, and formed a partnership with Isaac Pennock, under the 
name and style of King, Pennock, & Co. Under their auspices 
the Ea2:le Cotton Mill was erected in the Fourth Ward of the 
city of Allegheny. 

The firm was eminently successful : during the civil war the 
profits were very large, the raw material having advanced from 
ten cents to one dollar per pound. 

Mr. King spent the greater part of two years at Cairo, Mem- 
phis, and other Southern points, purchasing cotton, and caring 
for the interests of the firm generally. From this fact, it 
became, in a financial point of view, one of the strongest in the 
two cities ; but alas ! a change soon came over the spirit of 
their pleasant dreams. 

During the great petroleum excitement which swept over 
the Western counties, and proved so disastrous in its effects, the 
firm, like many others, were involved in the enticing tempta- 
tion to invest largely in the product, the consequence of which 
was a most disastrous failure ; Mr. King retiring without a 
dollar, when he supposed he was worth a half a million. 



JOSIAH KING. 333 

Notwithstanding this sudden and unexpected reverse of for- 
tune, he still maintained his courage, his tact, and his integrity 
unimpaired, important factors in the struggle for a new business 
life. 

In May, 1866, he, in connection with F. B, Penniman, A. P. 
Reed, and Thomas P. Houston, purchased "The Pittsburg Ga- 
zette," established in 1786 by John Scull, the oldest journal 
published west of the Alleghenies. 

The new firm operated under the name of Penniman, Reed, 
& Co. In 1870 the senior partner retired, when George W. 
Reed and David L. Fleming were associated, and the name 
changed to King, Reed, & Co. : of this firm he was an active 
member up to the time of his death. 

In addition to his having served in the city councils, he was 
called upon to fill other places of trust, and was noted for the 
interest he took in the cause of education and scientific investi- 
gations. ' He was for several years elected a school director in 
the Third Ward, Allegheny ; was chosen a member of the board 
of trustees of the Western University of Pennsylvania ; and 
was for many years an active member of the board of managers 
of the House of Refuge (now Pennsylvania Reform School) ; 
member of the Board of Trade, and also of the Commercial 
National Bank ; and was one of the projectors of the Allegheny 
Observatory, which has become a scientific school of wide repu- 
tation ; was president of the old reliable Pittsburg Insurance 
Company, the only office that withstood the shock, and weath- 
ered the storm, of the disastrous fire of the loth of April, 1845. 

He was also a prominent member of the Philological Insti- 
tute, established in 1828, and took a prominent part in all its 
deliberations. Politically he was an ardent Whig, and subse- 
quently a Republican ; was chosen chairman of the Allegheny 
Clay Club in 1844, and presided at several of the annual 
nominating conventions of the party. As a trustee of the 
"Avery" estate, Mr. King brought into requisition that rare 
tact and foresight which so eminently characterized his course 
in all his fiduciary relations. 

This estate was devised for the benefit and advancement of 
the interests of the negro race. A large number of institutions 



334 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

were assisted, and some established. Conspicuous among the 
latter was the Hampton Normal and Industrial School in the 
vicinity of Fortress Monroe, which owes its existence to 
the forethought of Mr. King, and generosity of Mr. Avery. 

Quite a number of ministers and teachers have been edu- 
cated at this institution, and are now spread over the South and 
elsewhere, engaged in the work of elevating the freedmen, 
physically, intellectually, and morally. 

Mr. King was esteemed a sincere and devoted Christian, a 
strict observer of all the sacred ordinances of the Protestant- 
Episcopal Church, and served for over twenty-five years as one 
of the vestry-men of Trinity Church, and was noted for his zeal 
and intelligence in all matters bearing upon the welfare of the 
church and the cause of Christianity generally. 

He was married in Pittsburg to Miss Mary Earle Holdship, 
daughter of the late Henry Holdship. They had six children : 
his widow and three children survived him. 

Henry, the eldest, resides at Plainfield, N.J. Wilson, the 
second son, has been in the consular service of the United 
States for over twelve years, and is now stationed at Bir- 
mingham, England, 

His eldest daughter, Frances K., is the wife of Joseph Brown 
of the Wayne Iron Works. His second daughter, Estella, who 
died some years ago, was the wife of Joseph G. Seibenick of 
"The Chronicle." Two of his children died in infancy. He 
died in Allegheny, Penn., Dec. i8, 1882, aged seventy-six. 



GEORGE LEICHTENBERGER, XX^ 



GEORGE LEICHTENBERGER. 

George Leichtenberger, anglicized " Lighthill," was born in 
Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 22, 1737. He came to this coun- 
try during the French and English contest for supremacy on 
the American continent, about the middle of the eighteenth 
century, and settled in Pittsburg, on the west side of Fifth 
Street (now Fifth Avenue), on a large lot between Wood and 
Market Streets, extending in depth to Diamond Alley. He is 
mentioned in Craig's " History of Pittsburg." 

He was married twice. The marital relations between him 
and his first wife were not of a happy nature : they were 
legally separated. 

By his subsequent marriage he had three children, — one son 
and two daughters, — named respectively, John George, Marga- 
ret, and Catherine. Margaret intermarried with John Donly, 
and Catherine with Frank Rudolph. 

He had two children by his first wife, — Thomas, and Eliza- 
beth, who became the wife of the late Mr. Glancy. 

Mr. Leichtenberger was a teamster by occupation, and was 
the principal operator in that line in the vicinity of Pittsburg. 

He removed to the North Side in the year 1794, having pur- 
chased from the late West Elliot, out-lots Nos. 23, 24, and 272, 
in the "Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg," and erected a sub- 
stantial though humble log cabin on out-lot No. 23. 

He died in June, 1814; his wife shortly after. His will, 
which is dated Jan. 12, 18 14, made a liberal disposition of his 
property to his widow and children, including those of his first 
marriage. 

His son, John George Leichtenberger, was born in Pittsburg 
in 1780. He was married in Ross township, in 1807, to Sarah 
Adams, daughter of the late Robert Adams. They had nine 
children, — five sons and four daughters, — all deceased except 
two sons, John and Christopher. 



336 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

During the war of 1 8 12 he was employed as a teamster and 
scout, and, when necessity required it, fought in the ranks, and 
was noted for his coolness under fire, and bravery in danger. 

After the close of the war he followed the occupation of a 
fisherman. He was esteemed a man of the strictest honor 
and integrity, but took little interest in religious matters, until, 
awakened to its importance through the influence and conver- 
sation of the late Elder Samuel Church, he was brought to seek 
an interest in Christ, and connected himself with the Christian 
Church (formerly Disciples) of Allegheny, and became a devout 
and humble Christian. He died on the old homestead lot, 
July 10, 1865. 

What has been said of the father may be truly said of his 
son John : through the same influence, aided by his faithful 
Christian wife, he was also brought within the Christian 
fold. 

Sarah Leichtenberger, nee Adams, died Jan. 2, 1844. 

John Leichtenberger, son of the latter, also a fisherman, was 
born in the old homestead, Aug. 22, 1809. 

He was married by the Rev. John Taylor to Miss Nancy 
Kelso, daughter of the late Charles Kelso, Dec. 20, 1832. 
Miss Kelso was born in Pittsburg, Oct. 6, 18 13. 

They had twelve children, — six sons and six daughters. 
Five died in infancy. 

Charles Kelso, the father of Nancy Leichtenberger, was 
born in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America 
in his youth : love for his native land, however, after a short 
sojourn in this country, induced him to return. He afterwards 
resolved to return to the United States, with a view to making 
it his future home. 

He settled in Portland, Me., and there married Miss Sarah 
Staples, a native of the place, in 1799. 

In 1804 he came West, and settled in Pittsburg : subse- 
quently he removed to the North Side. 

He was a sailor and ship-carpenter, and assisted in building 
and rigging the schooner "Amity" and other sailing-vessels 
among the first cleared at the port of Pittsburg. 

Ten children were the fruit of this union, — four sons and six 



GEORGE LEICHTENBERGER. 337 

daughters, — all deceased except Nancy, wife of John Leichten- 

bers^er. 

Mr. Kelso was for many years engaged in the rope-manufac- 
tory of the late John Irwin, and was esteemed for his intelli- 
gence, and probity of character. 

He died in Allegheny, 1850. His wife died November, 

1854. 



)^8 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



H. H. McCULLOUGH. 

H. H. McCuLLOUGH, the subject of this brief sketch, was 
born in the city of New York, Feb. 17, 1807, and was the 
son of a soldier of the war of 1812. 

His parents at an early date came West, and settled in 
Georgetown, Beaver County, Penn. Here he acquired a lib- 
eral English education in all the branches commonly taught in 
the schools of his day. 

He arrived in Pittsburg about the year 1830, and obtained 
temporary employment in the grocery establishment of Miss 
Rachel Watson, on the west side of Diamond Alley, between 
Wood Street and the Diamond Square. Whilst here engaged, 
he was stricken down with a severe attack of small-pox, and 
his life at one time was despaired of ; but by the care and 
attention of his kind employer, he was ushered back to health. 

His predilections were in favor of acquiring a knowledge of 
the drug-business. 

Immediately on his restoration to health, he sought and 
obtained a situation in the White and Red Lead Factory and 
drug-establishment of John Hannen & Co., of which firm the 
writer of this sketch was the junior and active partner. This 
position Mr. McCullough retained, and enjoyed the confidence 
and esteem of the firm to the fullest extent ; and upon its disso- 
lution in 1834, they were succeeded by Dr. Henry Hannen (a son 
of the senior partner of the retiring firm) and Mr. McCullough 
in the drug-business, under the name and style of Hannen & 
McCullough; from which he subsequently retired in 1838 or 
1839, and purchased the drug-establishment of Mr. Bourne, 
doing business on the north-east corner of Wood and Fourth 
Streets, and successfully carried on the same until the event of 
the great fire of the loth April, 1845. 

Mr. McCullough was largely interested in the stock of the 



H. H. McCULLOUGH. 339 

Pittsburg and Isle Royal Copper Mining Company in the Lake 
Superior regions, and was induced to accept the position of 
agent and general manager of the company to conduct the 
business at the mines. This position he held until about the 
year 1863, the duties of which he discharged to the entire sat- 
isfaction of the company. 

During his sojourn in the Lake Superior regions, he estab- 
lished and carried on an extensive fishery, in which he engaged 
the services of the Indian inhabitants of the island, to whom he 
became endeared for his proverbial kindness and honorable 
dealings, and so far won their confidence and friendship as to 
receive the exclusive right to trade with them. From this 
source, in connection with the mining and fishing operations, 
he acquired considerable wealth. 

In all his business and social relations, he was esteemed a 
gentleman in the fullest meaning of the term, and was noted 
for his enterprise, promptness, and conservatism, qualifications 
that enabled him to withstand the various panics and commer- 
cial distresses which periodically arose during the many years 
of his active business life. 

In politics he was an ardent Democrat : although he never 
sought political preferment, he nevertheless was always ready 
and willing, in a modest and unassuming manner, to discuss the 
principles of his political faith. 

In 1835 he espoused the cause of religion, and connected 
himself with the First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny. 
Subsequently, on his removal to Newark, N.J., he united with 
the First Reformed Church of that city, and was noted for his 
liberal benefactions and unobtrusive charities. 

From his advent in Newark to the close of his life, he was 
extensively engaged in the manufacture of shoes, etc., carried 
on by Miller, McCullough, & Ober, he being the principal capi- 
talist of the concern. 

He was united in marriage, in Newark, to Miss Justin of 
that city. 

They had three children, who all died in infancy. Mrs. 
McCullough died in July, 1875. 

Mr. McCullough died May 3, 1883, highly respected and 



340 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

much lamented. He left an only sister, Mrs, Mary J. Dawson 
of Georgetown, Beaver County, whose daughter, Mrs. Jennie 
Spence, wife of the Hon. Edward Spence of Beaver County, 
was present with him during his illness, and bestowed upon 
him the constant attention and loving care of a most affection- 
ate daughter. 

Suffering marked his last days. He was conscious of his 
approaching dissolution ; and his faith in the divine promises, 
and his hopes of a blessed immortality, never for one moment 
forsook him. 



JOHN MORRISON. 341 



JOHN MORRISON 

Was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1859, i860, 1865, and 1867. 
He was born in May, 1805, in the old red ferry-house kept by 
his father on the north-east corner of Anderson Street and 
Bank Lane (now River Avenue), and who subsequently removed 
to the equally ancient log ferry-house on the north-east corner 
of Federal Street and Bank Lane. 

Mr. Morrison, in his youth, exhibited evidence of intelligence 
far beyond his years. His age and general appearance, re- 
sembling a deceased son of the late Judge Hugh Davis, 
attracted the notice of the latter, and led to the youth's 
adoption in his family, and subsequent employment in his 
store. So happy were the relations between the judge and 
his prot^g^, that he was rapidly promoted to the dignity of 
clerk and general business manager. In 1827 he was married 
to the judge's only daughter. 

He became one of the leading Whig politicians of the day, 
and was the ardent advocate of the doctrines of his party : gen- 
erous to a fault, frequently he ignored his own political claims 
and aspirations for the benefit of others. At one period of his 
life he occupied a very enviable position in politics, which, if 
taken at the flood, would have led to fame and fortune far 
above his contemporaries. He acquired a liberal education 
under the tutelage of the late Thomas Salters, then one of the 
principal educators of Allegheny. 

At the organization of the borough of Allegheny, in 1828, 
he was elected by council chief clerk, and subsequently elected 
burgess. 

He was also elected county commissioner during the time 
of the issue and circulation of the county scrip. In 1849 he 
was elected county treasurer. The duties of these various 
positions he discharged with ability and integrity, and retired 



342 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

from them in the full enjoyment of the confidence and esteem 
of the citizens generally. 

He was largely engaged in the lumber-trade, and, as long as 
he confined his operations to its purchase and sale, he pros- 
pered in an eminent degree ; but unfortunately he became 
involved in extensive manufacturing operations in the pine 
regions on the upper Allegheny, which proved a failure. If, 
however, the same amount of energy and care had been 
applied to conducting the business at the mills as had been 
given by him in the management of affairs in Allegheny, it 
would have doubtless turned out differently. 

He was honest in all his dealings with his fellow-men, ever 
ready to aid by his advice and material assistance those who 
were commencing the more active duties of a business life, and 
struggles with adversity; charitable in his judgments, and 
indulgent to the shortcomings of others ; and those who knew 
him best honored him for his goodness of heart, and the true 
nobleness of his nature. 

He died at his late home on California Avenue, Ninth Ward, 
Allegheny, on Thursday, the 19th of April, 1883, after a lin- 
gering and painful illness superinduced by injuries received by 
falling through a hatchway on Park Way, and was interred in 
Allegheny Cemetery. 

There were nine children the result of this union ; viz., Eliz- 
abeth H., Eleanor G. (deceased), Hugh D. (deceased), Martha 
M., Hannah W., Robert S., Mary T., Annie C, and WiUiam 
D. (who died in infancy). 



HEZEKIAH NIXON. 343 



HEZEKIAH NIXON. 

Hezekiah Nixon was elected mayor of Allegheny in 1844 
and in 1845. He was born on the South Side in Scott (for- 
merly St. Clair) township, Allegheny County, Penn., on the 
twenty-first day of May, 1802. His father, Thomas Nixon, 
was a blacksmith by trade. He came from New Jersey, and 
settled on the farm on which Leasdale Station of the Chartiers 
Valley Railroad is located. He married Miss Jane Lea, daugh- 
ter of the late Col. William Lea. 

On the death of his father, young Nixon, then nine years of 
age, was left to his own resources. He first went to live with 
Mr. Robert Bell, a neighboring farmer, and when of sufficient 
age to learn a trade, chose that of a carpenter, and went to live 
with his uncle, Robert Lea, with whom he learned the art and 
mystery of the trade he had chosen. On the fulfilment of his 
engagement with his uncle, he started out as a journeyman, and 
worked for several years in the rural districts. In 1824 he 
settled in Allegheny. 

His first engagement after he came to Allegheny was the 
building of the rolling-mill of Messrs. Cowan & Brown on the 
north-west corner of Penn Avenue and Cecil Alley, Pittsburg, 
the site of which is now covered by the Fourth Ward Public 
School House. His next important work was the erection of 
Messrs. Blake & Anderson's Rolling-Mill on the bank of the 
Allegheny River between Darragh Street and the outlet of 
the Pennsylvania Canal. This was the first rolling-mill erected 
in Allegheny. 

He also built the Hurd & Howard Paper Mill on the bank 
of the Ohio River, on part of out-lot No. 20, in the " Reserve 
Tract opposite Pittsburg," now embraced within the limits of 
the Fifth Ward of the city of Allegheny. 

For a number of years he was associated with Richard 



344 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Dewhurst in the prosecution of the business under the name 
and style of Nixon & Dewhurst. 

In all the varied operations in which he was engaged, he 
rendered entire satisfaction to all, both as to the kind of work- 
manship and the quality of the materials furnished. 

He subsequently leased for a number of years a lot of ground 
on the bank of the Allegheny River, from the late Neville B. 
Craig, on the west side of the outlet of the Pennsylvania 
Canal, and erected a saw-mill thereon, generally known as 
the "Outlet Saw-mill." This he operated for about ten years, 
when it was destroyed by fire. 

He was one of the first select councilmen elected in Allegheny, 
and was chosen president of that body in 1842. During his 
administration as mayor he was the first to establish a police- 
court in connection with that office. On his retirement from 
the ofifice of mayor, he was again elected to the select council, 
which position he held for nine years. 

In 1848 he was elected recorder of deeds, etc., for Allegheny 
County ; and after the expiration of his term of office, he 
engaged in the business of steamboating on the Ohio River. 

A few years before his death he became aware that his eye- 
sight was rapidly failing, which unfortunately culminated, in 
1856, in total blindness, and he was obliged to relinquish all 
work. He died on the twelfth day of December, 1858. 

When quite a young man, he was a member of a military 
company called the Jackson Independent Volunteers, and was 
elected their captain. In politics Mr. Nixon was at first a 
Federalist, then a Whig and Anti-mason, and lastly a Republi- 
can. 

He was a member of the first temperance organization in the 
county. He was strongly impressed with feelings averse to 
the system of domestic slavery. In early life he took an active 
and intelligent part in opposition to these great moral and 
social evils. Although modest and unassuming in his man- 
ners, yet he was ever ready to fearlessly disclaim against the 
destroying influence of the one, and the manifest injustice of 
the other. 

He was a devout and humble lifelong Christian, connected 



HEZEKIAH NIXON. 345 

with the Associate Reformed, afterwards United Presbyterian, 
Church. 

He assisted in the organization, and was one of the first 
elders, of the Rev. John T. Pressly's congregation, the First 
Associate Reformed, now the First United Presbyterian, 
Church of Allegheny. 

In 185 1 he, with other members of the congregation, organ- 
ized the Second Associate Reformed Church, now the Third 
United Presbyterian. 

Although Mr. Nixon possessed considerable natural ability, 
and was intelligent to a remarkable degree, he was a wholly 
self-educated man. The world was his school, and time his 
tutor. 

He was married March 3, 183 1, to Miss Rose Anna, daugh- 
ter of Charles Frow, late of Union township, Allegheny 
County. He had seven children, — two sons and five daughters. 
Two of his children, a son and daughter, died in infancy. His 
wife and five children — a son and four daughters — survived 
him. His eldest daughter, Harriet H., now deceased, was mar- 
ried to Col. Levi Bird Duff, formerly of the One Hundred and 
Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was severely 
wounded at Petersburg, Va., losing a leg. 

His second daughter, Mary C, is the wife of the Rev. 
Hunter Corbett, a Presbyterian missionary, who resides at 
Chefoo, China. The third, Cornelia C, is the wife of Samuel 
O. McKee, who is engaged in the railroad business at Wichita, 
Kan. The fourth, Agnes S., now deceased, was married to 
the Rev. Cyrus B. Hatch of the United Presbyterian Church, 
formerly of Allegheny, now a resident of Irwin, Westmoreland 
County, Penn. 

His son, Thomas L. Nixon, is a surveyor and civil engineer, 
and resides in Wichita, Kan. 

In all the phases of his eventful life, both in Church and 
State, he was much admired for the goodness of his heart and 
the excellent qualities of his mind. 



346 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



JOHN PARK. 

Writing the memoirs of those who have long since passed 
away, especially in the absence of written testimony to guide 
in making up a truthful record, is a task by no means easy to 
accomplish. Facts collected from tradition, or gleaned from 
the unreliable recollections of others, must necessarily be 
received with some degree of caution. The writer is well 
aware of the extreme difficulty of avoiding mistakes ; and if any 
palpable errors in the computation of time should have crept 
into these memoirs, he can only plead guilty beforehand, offer- 
ing in extenuation, the assurance that he has at least done the 
best he could under the circumstances. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Belfast, 
county Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1760, and died in the 
borough of Pittsburg, March 20, 1808, in the forty-eighth year 
of his age. The writer was then in his infancy, consequently 
it is not to be supposed he could have any recollection of him. 
His knowledge is therefore derived from those who were best 
qualified to impart the necessary information. When a youth 
of fourteen years, he embarked with his father at the port of 
Belfast, some time during the year 1774, on a merchant-vessel 
owned by the latter, bound on a voyage to one of the West- 
India Islands (Curagoa). Notwithstanding his extreme youth, 
he exhibited unusual abilities, which induced the father to 
appoint him his private secretary and supercargo of the vessel ; 
and when we take into consideration that the father was then 
engaged extensively in the commerce of Europe with the 
West-India Islands, the appointment of one so young to a posi- 
tion so responsible evinced a confidence highly creditable to 
the recipient. 

A change, however, soon took place. During the voyage an 
unhappy misunderstanding occurred between the imperious 



JOHN PARK. 347 

father and impetuous son, growing out of a mere difference of 
opinion in regard to some unimportant matter. This unpleas- 
ant state of affairs continued with no hope of a reconcihation ; 
and for this reason the father determined to change the course 
of the vessel, so as to touch at some convenient point on the 
American coast (probably New York), and there to cast 
adrift his youthful son. This unnatural and inexorable deter- 
mination was fully carried out. The boy never forgot the 
treatment received, and to the day of his death repudiated all 
and every attempt towards a reconciliation, as will more fully 
appear as we progress in these memoirs. 

All nature seemed alive with joy: the stately ship glided 
through the bright waters of the broad Atlantic. The sun lit 
up with superior brilliancy the glorious scene, and not a cloud 
obscured the clear blue sky. 

There was one, however, who occupied the quarter-deck, to 
whom nature's beauty seemed to have no charms, if we may 
judge from the gloomy frown upon his brow, and the apparent 
anger that gleamed from his eye as it roamed over surrounding 

objects. 

The father had scarcely reached the age of fifty years. His 
face had evidently been at one time handsome, but the fierce 
struggles with the world had imparted lines which marred the 
traces of the comeliness of youth. As his experience in- 
creased, it seemed to impress him differently from others. 
There appeared but few signs of declining strength in his 
countenance; imagination could scarcely picture that those 
stern features could ever soften into a smile : and time, instead 
of lessening his energies, had rather added additional force ; and 
the violent impulses of the man were more indomitable at fifty 
than they had been at an earlier age. 

The vicissitudes of an eventful life, while they affected him 
intensely, failed to have that salutary influence upon his dispo- 
sition so desirable in the parent ; and, like the impetuous moun- 
tain torrent, his passions gathered strength and fierceness as 
they rushed on unchecked. 

The frequent and impatient looks he directed towards the 
companion-way, gave evidence that he was expecting some 



348 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

one. Twice he essayed to enter, but as often paused : at 
length, however, when his joatience had become well-nigh 
exhausted, the proud and impetuous son made his appearance. 

For a brief space they mutually gazed upon each other in 
silence, the elder frowning with anger, and the son looking 
him calmly and respectfully in the face. The son had too 
often detected the angry cloud upon the parent's brow, to be 
awed by the tempest it portended ; and he stood up before him, 
collected almost to indifference, with a composure that irri- 
tated the sire more than, perhaps, the offence for which he was 
arraigned. The boy desired to know if he wished to see him. 
" No, sir, I do not wish to see you," replied the sire, in a hot 
and sarcastic manner. " I never wish to see you again. I would 
rather you were removed to some remote corner of the world, 
where your presence could never offend my eyes, and where 
reports of you rwayward conduct could never reach my ears." 

To this unfeeling remark, there was no reply made. The 
son well knew that nothing he could say would mitigate the 
wrath of his unreasonable father. " By your waywardness and 
disobedience you have crushed out the confidence and affection 
I had for you," continued the proud parent. " Your conduct is 
alike disgraceful to yourself and to me." — "I have not dis- 
obeyed you or violated your confidence in this matter. You 
accuse me unjustly and without proper thought ; and if you will 
do me the favor to listen patiently for a moment, I think I can 
convince you that I am entirely innocent." — "I will not hear 
you : I cannot believe you, sir. You are guilty of this offence, 
as well as many others. Innocence, with you, was never con- 
sidered a minute. Your whole life has been one of insubordi- 
nation." — "But, sir, although I may have committed grave 
errors, I may be innocent of this one," replied the son. "Do 
not attempt to palliate your conduct, or reason with me ! " 
exclaimed the imperious sire. " Bear it in mind, sir, when 
in after-years your shortcomings shall have involved you in 
trouble, that I have not caused your ruin ; that I have taken all 
the pains a parent could bestow upon a most obedient child, 
and what has been the result .-* How have you requited me } " 
— " But, father, if you would permit me to explain " — " Call 



JOHN PARK. 349 

me not * father '!" interrupted the parent. "You are no son 
of mine : from henceforth I disown you. There runs not a 
drop of my blood in your veins, no, not one drop ! The tie 
between us is forever severed ! " and as he concluded, he com- 
menced pacing the deck, muttering the incoherent ravings of 
uncontrollable passion. This outburst of a father's wrath was 
borne at first by the son with the utmost humility ; but when 
the father disowned and denied him, his blood boiled, and he 
trembled in every limb from excessive agitation. His features 
worked convulsively, and the great tears sprang up in his clear 
blue eyes ; but with one mighty effort he controlled his feel- 
ings ; and though appearances indicated repose, it was an omi- 
nous stillness that obliterated the color from his cheek until 
long after that eventful interview. 

The father at first failed to observe the struggles of the sen- 
sitive son, and continued his perambulations of the deck for 
some time. When his rage had well-nigh exhausted itself, and 
he had discovered the effect which his conduct had aroused in 
the breast of his son, he became more considerate, and his 
countenance assumed a milder, but still gloomy, expression. 
Whether it was that he was softened by the appearance of 
penitence which his wayward boy had never evinced on former 
occasions, or whether it was that his conscience rebuked him 
for his unnecessary and unfeeling violence, is a problem that 
none but himself could have determined. There is no doubt 
but that one or the other exerted a powerful influence over him 
at the time. 

In a much milder tone than he had previously used, he said, 
"You proposed to explain away your recent offence; I hope 
you will be able to do so ; you have now the opportunity ; pro- 
ceed, sir." The son answered, "The time for explanation 
has passed away. I cannot now oblige you. I could have 
cleared up the matter to your entire satisfaction had you per- 
mitted me when I first proposed it. I do not deem it my duty 
to attempt it now." The father, as if in doubt as to the proper 
course to pursue, pondered a while. At first he was disposed to 
exhibit his former anger ; but when he encountered the calm, 
defiant spirit of his son, he became convinced that such a course 



3 so HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

would be productive of disastrous consequences. Veiling his 
vexation as much as possible, he again requested an explanation 
of the cause of their misunderstanding, and promised that he 
would accord to him his sincere forgiveness. This proposition 
was met on the part of the youth with a ghastly smile. Said 
he, " Forgiveness .-' And for what, sir ? " It was not in the 
power of the father at that moment to reply to the calm though 
withering interrogatory had his life depended upon the effort. 
He was confounded ; and the color even came to that cheek, 
hardened by the storms of fifty winters. A painful silence ob- 
tained which he was unable to break. Twice he strove to do 
so, but the words died upon his lips ; and the proud, haughty, 
iron-hearted parent stood humbled before his injured son. 

The son saw the anguish of the father. He felt his own 
triumph too ; and although it was a proud moment, he was too 
generous to take advantage of his position. He could not 
injure the feelings of a father who had failed to spare his. 
He was affected, however, and in a proper spirit resumed, 
" In consideration of the declaration you have made at this 
time, I can no longer remain under your care and protection. 
The obligations I am under to you are very great, and can 
never be obliterated from my memory. I feel that the debt 
can never be repaid. Yet I am not wanting in gratitude, 
though I have seemingly been in rectitude ; and that my unfor- 
tunate though involuntary errors may not in the future disturb 
your equanimity, I shall perpetrate them in another clime. It 
has been my misfortune to offend you, never my intention, 
sir. My every wish was to please you. I would have ulti- 
mately done better : it has been my study to please you ; and if 
I have failed, it is not that I am unwilling. The events of 
to-day, however, render it unnecessary for me to continue in 
trying to please you. I feel that I can have no further claim 
on your affection. Every consideration in our relation except 
the feeling that binds one man to another, you have disowned." 
As he concluded, he withdrew from the quarter-deck, to mingle 
with the sailors, leaving his father motionless with amazement. 

The son, although a youth in years and experience, yet pos- 
sessed all the feelings and qualities of one of maturer years ; 



JOHN PARK. , 351 

and had these been more fully developed, age could only con- 
firm them, not change their general nature in any other man- 
ner. Like all youths who are restrained in their actions, he 
was wild and irregular when freed from the immediate influ- 
ence of thraldom, and had frequently indulged in a series of 
frolicsome and mischievous pranks, one of which gave rise to 
the scene just described, and in which he was entirely innocent 
of intentional wrong. These erratic ebullitions were more the 
momentary caprice of a sanguine and happ)^ temperament than 
the exercise of vitiated and corrupt impulses. 

In fact, there were so many contradictions in his character, 
that it took a long acquaintance and some penetration to under- 
stand him. Of a restless disposition, there were times when 
he settled down in a thoughtful and studious mood ; and when 
he took hold of a subject that involved a difficulty, it was not 
laid aside until it was thoroughly understood. It would natu- 
rally be supposed that a youth so ardent would be habitually 
social and communicative, but with him it was entirely the 
reverse. He avoided company, indulged in long and solitary 
rambles, and was remarkable for his taciturnity : nor was he, 
as might be inferred, selfish, vain, or cold-hearted ; for there 
never existed a more generous, disinterested, or affectionate 
being when events transpired to call these virtues into action. 
His taciturnity did not arise from any want of those social feel- 
ings that endear us to each other, but rather from the failure to 
meet with those whose disposition harmonized with his own. 
His reticence was not caused by a dislike to meet with others, 
but rather from an inclination to commune with his own 
thoughts ; and if he avoided society, it was not from any an- 
tipathy to it, but rather that solitude had more to interest his 
thoughts, and less to annoy his tender sensibilities. 

These distinctions may be considered too finely drawn, but 
those who study human nature will not deny their existence. 
In short, he was somewhat of an enigma, whom but few under- 
stood, and none could properly appreciate on limited acquaint- 
ance. During all this interview his apparent calmness was 
a concealment of feeling. After leaving the presence of his 
father, it burst forth with additional violence, in consequence 



352 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

of being for the time restrained. This mighty tempest, though 
heart-rending while it lasted, was of short duration ; like the 
tornado, prostrating in its violence, but continuing only for a 
brief period. The vessel having arrived in port, with a sor- 
rowful heart he prepared to leave it. Pursuing his way a short 
distance, he paused, and, turning about, gazed long and wist- 
fully backwards. Resuming his sad and uncertain course, he 
cast behind home and friends, and looked hopefully forward to 
the future. What pleasing reflections does that one word 
"home" give birth to! Let it be grand or humble, it is ever 
associated with the dearest memories of life. It is one of the 
few things, that, amidst the changes of life, we still remember 
with joy ; and the memory becomes more and more endeared to 
us as time increases the gap between it and ourselves. 

The old homestead, the tree that first shaded us, the stream 
we first angled in, and the landscape that first greeted our 
infant eyes, make their impress upon our minds, the bright and 
pleasing hues of which are as lasting as life itself. 

Pausing in the highway of life, memory leads us back to that 
blessed place, when youth and innocence were our happy lot. 
It is our earliest impression, and the last to fade from our 
memory ; and when we have acted our part in the great drama 
of life, though we may have been successful beyond our most 
sanguine expectations, fortunate beyond desire, gained the 
admiration and applause of the world, and the satisfaction of 
ourselves, we still look back and find no place so like paradise 
as our first home, and no moments so productive of happiness 
as those spent within its sacred walls. This wayward and 
unhappy son had alienated himself from those endearments 
that he was fated never to experience on earth again, and sun- 
dered one of the most sacred obligations of humanity, — the 
sympathy between parent and child. From all these he wan- 
dered, to commence a new and doubtful career, to enter upon 
business where there is so much uncertainty, selfishness, and 
deceit. He was determined, persevering, and ambitious, — 
qualities that always befriend us, and which often prove more 
efficient than personal influence : the latter only directs the 
road to fame, while the former guide us to the goal. He was 



JOHN PARK. 353 

proud that all his impulses were honorable, proud that he had 
never been guilty of any thing for which he should feel self- 
abased. He was cast entirely upon his own resources, and 
it afforded him consolation that he was conscious that his 
abilities were fully adequate to the emergency. The wide 
world was before him ; and he was at liberty to choose his 
own way through it, to carve out his own destiny, to make for 
himself a name, honorable in the coming time. The youth was 
wandering through the streets oC a strange city, with the aim- 
less manner of one who walks that he may commune with his 
own thoughts and fancies, alone in a crowd, solitary in the 
midst of a multitude. 

During all this time the gloomy and obdurate father suffered 
the most acute pangs of remorse. It was not until after the 
separation that he learned to estimate his son properly for those 
shining qualities which he had passed by with such cold indif- 
ference. The treasure is never so dear as when lost, and the 
father felt now that he would sacrifice any thing to regain the 
love of his alienated child. Every effort was made to induce 
the son to return to the vessel, but without effect ; and after 
repeated disappointments the humiliated and unhappy sire 
departed on his ocean journey. 

Of intervening time occurring from his landing in the 
United States to his advent in Pittsburg, I can gather no reli- 
able information. On his arrival in the town, he was highly 
impressed with the importance of the location, and beauty of 
its surroundings, situated at the confluence of the two impor- 
tant rivers, Allegheny and Monongahela, one flowing from the 
north, and the other from the south, forming the still more 
important Ohio. Its future as a manufacturing-point was fully 
settled in his mind. Judging from its position, with an ample 
water-communication extending to the Gulf of Mexico, sur- 
rounded with immense deposits of superior bituminous coal, and 
mighty forests of excellent timber, it required but little effort 
of the imagination to prognosticate what it is to-day, — a man- 
ufacturing city second to none in the Union. Impressed with 
these views, he resolved to settle, and make it his future home. 
Endowed by nature with talents of no ordinary ability, he was 



354 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 

soon afforded an opportunity of bringing these qualifications 
into employment. 

Gen. James O'Hara and Major Isaac Craig, men of note, 
whose interests were closely identified with the growth and 
prosperity of Pittsburg and surroundings, both holding high 
positions under the General Government, connected with the 
quartermaster's department and manufacturing interest of the 
West, having entire confidence in him as a gentleman, and his 
ability as an expert accountant, tendered him the responsible 
position of confidential clerk and general agent for the transac- 
tion of all business with the quartermaster's department and 
glass-making. Isaac Craig, Esq., grandson of Major Isaac 
Craig, has in his possession quite a number of interesting relics 
of the olden time. Among them are manuscript copies of 
letters written by the subject of these memoirs to government 
officials and officers of the various frontier military posts, run- 
ning through a period of years from 1790 to 1807. 

In accordance with his preconceived opinion, that Pittsburg 
was destined to become an important manufacturing and com- 
mercial centre, he acquired considerable real estate in localities 
which proved the wisdom of the selection, as they are now con- 
sidered among the most valuable within the limits of the two 
cities. These purchases, however, owing to a limited capital, 
involved him in pecuniary embarrassment, which compelled him 
to part with piece after piece, until all was disposed of except 
the sixty acres now embraced within the limits of the Fifth 
Ward of the city of Allegheny. 

For the inheritance of this portion of the estate, his children 
are wholly indebted to the care and management of an affec- 
tionate mother, who determined, during the lifetime of her hus- 
band and since, that this at least should be preserved intact 
for the benefit of her children. With this purpose in view, she 
persistently refused every attempt at alienation of the property. 
After her death it was divided by a decree of the Orphan's 
Court equally among her six children then living. 

The father had frequently written to the son, deploring their 
unhappy estrangement. These letters the latter persistently 
refused to acknowledge. They were forwarded unopened to the 



JOHN PARK. 355 

office from which they were mailed, without comment. There 
was one, however, — the last, it is supposed, that was written, — 
which came into the possession of his wife during the absence 
of her husband on a visit to the North-West on business con- 
nected with the quartermaster's department, marked important ; 
and not knowing where it could reach him, she opened it, and 
thus became aware for the first time of a history, which, owing 
to her husband's reticence, was always a mystery to her. On 
his return, however, and being made acquainted with what had 
occurred, he exhibited no gentle evidence of his disapprobation. 
True to his previous resolution, he continued inexorable to the 
last, and would not rest satisfied until he had exacted a prom- 
ise that the information obtained from the letter should not be 
followed up. Without reading it himself, he consigned the 
letter to the same fate as the others, carefully noting on the 
outside the circumstances attending its opening. 

How unfortunate that this letter was not retained ! It was an 
acknowledgment by the father of his error; an abject apology 
for his unnatural and inexorable conduct ; a piteous overture 
for a reconciliation which the proud and unrelenting son would 
have done well to consider, and would have afforded a startinof- 
point in tracing up the lost one. 

Many of the items upon which these memoirs are based are 
so vague and indefinite that the writer has been compelled to 
draw upon his imagination in order to supply what might 
be deemed otherwise incomprehensible to the reader. The 
main facts, however, are true, as they have been handed down 
to me by others. 

Of the father's subsequent history, there is but little known. 
It is supposed he was lost in the harbor of Cura^oa in the 
West Indies, during the prevalence of the great earthquake 
which occurred near the close of the eighteenth century, the 
tidal wave of which overwhelmed and destroyed the shipping 
in the harbor, and the inhabitants residing near the seashore. 



156 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



DEATH OF HON. ORMSBY PHILLIPS. 

The following papers were clipped from "The Pittsburg Dis- 
patch," issue of Nov. 13, 1884: — 

Hon. Ormsby Philhps, one of the owners of "The Dispatch," 
died at his residence on Ridge Avenue, Allegheny, yesterday 
morning at nine o'clock. For the past three weeks Mr. Phillips 
had been seriously ill ; and although not entirely unexpected, his 
death was a severe blow to his grief-stricken family. 

The deceased, with whose prominence in the community 
every citizen is familiar, was born at Jefferson Barracks, a few 
miles south of St. Louis, on Oct. 2, 1829. His father. Major 
Asher Phillips, served in the war of 1812 ; and his grandfather 
was Oliver Ormsby, an early settler on the South Side. At an 
early age, Mr. Phillips, with his parents, removed to Louisville ; 
and he was educated at the schools there, and at the Western 
University in this city. At the age of nineteen he took charge 
of a telegraph-office in Louisville, and soon after came to Pitts- 
burg. Here he was one of the coterie composed of Messrs. 
Robert Pitcairn, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Phillips, and David 
McCargo, who were employed in the first telegraph-office opened 
in this city. Later he formed a partnership in the iron-foundery 
business with John and W. J. Anderson, and subsequently 
engaged in the manufacture of glass in the firm of Phillips & 
Co. In 1862 Mr. Phillips wa's commissioned captain of Com- 
pany C, Fifteenth Regiment of State Militia, and served until 
the regiment was discharged. In November, 1881, he became 
a partner in the Dispatch Publishing Company, and filled the 
position of business manager until his death. 

Mr. Phillips filled several important public positions during 
his lifetime. In 1867 he became a director in the Western 
Penitentiary, and served as secretary of the board until May 
last, when he was elected president. In this position Mr. Phil- 



DEATH OF HON. ORMSBY PHILLIPS. 357 

lips labored asoiduously for the best interests of the institution, 
and the impress of his unselfish efforts will live long after him. 
He was one of the early directors of the Morganza House of 
Refuge, and also served many years in the same office in 
connection with the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and the 
Insane-Asylum at Dixmont. His traits of character and dis- 
position seemed to especially fit him for the work which his 
association with the institutions named involved. It is not sur- 
prising that Mr. Phillips was also prominently identified with 
nearly every charitable enterprise of a public nature. He 
seemed to throw his whole soul into such work, and his energy 
contributed largely to the success which invariably attended 
such enterprises. The Sanitary Commission Fair saw Mr. Phil- 
lips among its promoters. He was elected mayor of Allegheny 
City in 1874, as an independent candidate. His opponents 
were D. L. Smith, Republican, and the late Peter Farley, who 
was killed a short time ago on the Fort Wayne Railroad at 
Wood's Run, the Democratic candidate. Mr. Phillips's election 
was due to his personal popularity ; and for this reason it is 
not to be wondered at, that, during the riots of that same year, 
Allegheny City was remarkably free from acts of lawlessness. 
Since 1867 Mr. Phillips was one of the trustees of the Dollar 
Savings Bank. He was also a director of the Boatman's Insur- 
ance Company, and a vestry-man of St, Andrew's Church. In 
all these varied fields of labor the deceased brought the force 
of his own individuality prominently into play. He enjoyed 
the high respect and esteem of the entire community, and his 
loss will be keenly felt outside the circles of a grief-stricken 
family and a host of friends. 

Mr. Phillips was married on Oct. 17, 1859, to Miss Annie S. 
Bakewell, daughter of the late John P. Bakewell. She with 
five children survive him : the latter are Messrs. Bakewell and 
Henry Phillips, Mrs. Sarah Phillips, wife of Professor Phillips 
of the Western University, and Misses Annie and Margaret 
Phillips. He also leaves a brother, Dr. T. A. Phillips of the 
East End. 



;58 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



En IHcmormm. 

Western Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, 
Allegheny, Nov. 13, 1884. 

At a meeting of the Board of Inspectors held this morning, 
the following resolutions were adopted, and ordered to be pub- 
lished in the daily papers of the city: — 

Whereas, In the wisdom of an all-ruling Providence, we, the Board of 
Inspectors of the Western State Penitentiary, have been called to record 
the death of Hon. Ormsby Phillips, who since 1S67 has been an active 
participant in all of its councils ; 

Resolved, 1st, That, in making this minute, we gladly recognize his noble 
qualities of head and heart, which were shown in his urbane consideration 
of the opinions and feelings of others, and his uniform Christian courtesy 
toward all made his companionship genial, helpful, and valuable. 

Resolved, 2d, That in the position of secretary of our Board, an office 
which he filled for seventeen years, he was careful, faithful, and accurate. 
And his long experience and intimate knowledge of the institution admir- 
ably fitted him for the presidency of the Board, to which he was called last 
May, at the death of President T. H. Nevin. 

Resolved, 3d, That in carrying forward the change from the old prison, 
and the responsible work of the erection of the new building, his hand never 
failed in the patient and judicious performance of his part of the allotted 
duty; and because of his familiarity with the demands of the circumstances, 
and his spirit of wise economy in all things pertaining thereto, we shall 
greatly miss his able counsels, and thus do deeply regret his loss. 

Resolved, I^tJi, That in his death the official management of the prison 
has not only been bereft of much knowledge and many characteristics of 
mind which will be difficult to replace, but all the prisoners who knew him 
have lost one whom they qpuld truly call a friend. His voice and efforts 
helped to throw open the dark double doors which had so long closed them 
in solitary confinement. His advice to them was always plain, direct, and 
earnest, and along the line of the acquirement of manhness, self-control, 
and reform. 

Resolved, 5th, That whilst the State has been deprived of an upright con- 
servator of its interests, and these cities and this community of an exemplary 
citizen, it is upon his family, where his goodness and gentleness and real 
depths of affection and heart-life were best showi; and known, that this 
blow has fallen heaviest; and hence to them, one and all, we wish to be 
permitted to convey our sincerest sorrow and sympathy in this hour of sud- 
den bereavement. 



WILLIAM ROBINSON, JUN, 359 



WILLIAM ROBINSON, JUN. 

Allegheny, in pursuance of the Act of the General Assem- 
bly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approved April 10, 
1840, was created a city ; and Gen. William Robinson, jun., had 
the honor to be chosen its first mayor. He was born on the 
seventeenth day of December, 1785, in the old family mansion, 
on the west side of Federal Street, on out-lot No. 36, in the 
" Reserve Tract opposite Pittsburg." 

The old homestead was removed a few years ago, and its site 
is now covered by substantial three-story brick buildings. He 
bore the reputation of being the first white male child born 
north of the Allegheny River. 

During his life he took a prominent and active part in politics, 
and in every thing appertaining to the growth and prosperity of 
his native place. Possessed of abilities of no ordinary kind, 
endowed with a liberal classical education, a graduate of 
Princeton College, and having read a full course of law with 
the late James Ross, he was eminently qualified for all the duties 
of life ; but, unfortunately, his haughty and dictatorial manner 
kept his friends at a distance, and seriously interfered with his 
political aspirations. 

In his early youth he became familiar with the aggressions of 
the Indians, with whom his parents had many fearful encoun- 
ters in defending their humble homestead. With the Chief 
Cornplanter and his band, who remained on the upper waters 
of the Allegheny, he kept up a friendly intercourse until his 
death. 

In 1806 he unfortunately became involved in the notorious 
scheme of Aaron Burr for the conquest of Mexico, having been 
led with others to embark in the undertaking through a mistake 
as to the principal object to be attained. On the death of his 
father he inherited considerable property lying within the 



360 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY, s 

present limits of the city of Allegheny, a part of which he laid 
out in lots, and called it "Buena Vista," and named its streets 
after the battles of the Mexican war. 

Gen. Robinson for many years was interested in commer- 
cial and industrial pursuits. He acquired the title of general 
by virtue of a commission in the State Militia. 

In the internal improvement of the western part of the State, 
his enterprise and personal influence were beneficially exerted ; 
and in the construction of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad 
(now P., F. W., & C. Railway), he largely invested his means, 
and was chosen its first president. 

He was one of the projectors of the first iron-mill in West- 
ern Pennsylvania, and a corporator in the first bridge erected 
over the Allegheny River. 

He was the first president of the Exchange Bank of Pittsburg, 
and at one time was a member of the State Legislature. 

He was elected to the select council of Allegheny continu- 
ously from 1849 to 1856, and was chosen its president. 

He died on the twenty-fifth day of February, 1868. 



THOMAS SAMPLE. 36 1 



THOMAS SAMPLE. 

Thomas Sample was the next in order to assume executive 
honors in Allegheny. He was elected mayor in 1841. His 
regular business was that of a tanner and currier : his tan-yard 
was located on the west side of Middle Alley, between Water 
Alley, now Park Way, and Gay Alley. He was a man of 
sterling character, rather eccentric in his habits and disposi- 
tion, and had an ordinary education. He was for several years 
magistrate in the First Ward, and had his office in the tannery. 
He died a few years ago, on his farm near New Castle, Law- 
rence County, Penn. 

A very singular incident occurred during his official career as 
magistrate, connected with the atrocious murder of a farmer, 
committed by a negro tramp, on the Beaver road, below Econ- 
omy, Beaver County. It appears the farmer was on his way to 
Pittsburg, driving a two-horse team : overtaking the negro on 
the road, he generously invited him to take a seat in the wagon. 
Shortly after, and before reaching Economy, the negro treach- 
erously murdered him, by beating out his brains with a stone, 
which he had previously provided for the occasion. Secreting 
the body under a culvert, he continued on with the team towards 
Allegheny. He staid over night in Sewickly, at the stone 
tavern. Before retiring to bed, he endeavored to remove all 
tell-tale evidence of his crime by casting the bloody straw in 
the wagon on the manure-pile. In the morning he proceeded 
on his way to Allegheny, and put up at the old Pennsylvania 
tavern, on the north-east corner of Ohio and Webster Streets, 
the site of which is now occupied by St. Peter's Church. Here 
he offered the wagon and horses for sale. 

The body of the unfortunate farmer having been discovered 
shortly after the murder, parties living in the vicinity trailed 
the fugitive to Allegheny. 



362 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

Just before dark the negro discovered that pursuers were on 
his track, and immediately shifted his quarters to the old tavern- 
stand on the corner of Federal Street and River Avenue. To 
this point his pursuers trailed him : but before they could arrest 
him, he fled to the river ; and in his attempt to cross it on the 
ice to the Pittsburg side, he broke through, and was drowned. 

The body was recovered the next day, and deposited in the 
old town-house on the south-west Diamond Square, where it lay 
awaitins: the action of the coroner. To the amazement of the 
authorities, the body suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. 

Subsequent events pointed directly to Mr. Sample as the 
principal party engaged in the " taking off." 

The boldness of the transaction created quite an excitement 
at the time ; and it continued without abatement until it leaked 
out that the object in surreptitiously removing the body was to 
skin it, and tan the hide, in order to solve the problem as to the 
quality of material manufactured out of the cuticle of the 
"genus homo." Razor-strops and watch-guards were fashioned 
out of the novel leather, and distributed among the curious. 

Mr. Sample was considered somewhat of a genius in his way. 
To his insatiable disposition to solve the various problems of 
law, physics, and mechanics, may be attributed this seeming 
violation of the laws of humanity and good order. 

It was generally conceded that he was actuated by no other 
motive than the one above indicated. In view of the high 
estimation in which he was held by the citizens generally, he 
was unmolested. He died in Mahoningtown, Lawrence County, 
Penn., Aug. 11, 1876. 



WILLIAM BARCLA Y FOSTER. 363 



WILLIAM BARCLAY FOSTER. 

William Barclay Foster was the third mayor, having been 
elected in 1842, and again in 1843. He was one of the oldest 
and most highly esteemed citizens of Allegheny County. His 
political proclivities were of the Democratic order, and he was 
warmly attached to his party. He was a gentleman of culture 
and refinement, and was much admired for the qualities of his 
mind as well as for the goodness of his heart. 

He was born in Berkeley County, Va., Sept. 7, 1779, and died 
in Allegheny, July 27, 1855. He was married in Chambers- 
burg, Penn., to Miss Eliza Clayland Tomlinson, who was born 
in Wilmington, Del., Jan. 21, 1788, and died Jan. 18, 1855, 
six months preceding his own death. They had nine children. 

One of his sons, Stephen C. Foster, gained quite a reputation 
as a musical composer : his beautiful and pathetic ballads are 
the admiration of the musical world. He lived respected and 
died lamented on the 13th January, 1864. 

His grandfather, Alexander Foster, was a native of London- 
derry, ft-eland ; emigrated to this country in 1728, and settled in 
Little Britain township, Lancaster County, Penn. James Foster, 
the father of the subject of our sketch, removed to Berkeley 
County, Va. He was a soldier in the patriot army, served through 
the whole of the Revolutionary war, and highly distinguished 
himself at the storming of Yorktown. After the close of the 
war the father removed with his family to Washington County, 
Penn., and settled near Canonsburg. He was chosen one of the 
first trustees of Jefferson College in 1790. The son, William B. 
Foster, came to Pittsburg, April 20, 1796, and went into business 
with Major E. Denny and Anthony Beelen in 1806, for the 
purpose of general merchandizing, on the north-west corner of 
Market and Third Streets. In 18 12 he was appointed commis- 
sary of the Pennsylvania Brigade in the Black Hawk expedition, 



364 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

and in 18 14 and 181 5 he was appointed commissary for the 
United-States Army, and expended over fifty-eight thousand 
dollars of his own means for the use of the government. He 
loaded the steamer " Enterprise," Capt. Henry M. Shreve, with 
supplies and munitions of war, for the army under Gen. Jack- 
son, which opportunely arrived at New Orleans, Jan. 5, 181 5, 
three days before the battle of the 8th, 

In 1 8 14 he laid out the town of Lawrenceville from a part 
of his farm, and sold to the government the thirty acres on 
which the United-States Arsenal was erected. 

In 1 82 1 he was appointed register and recorder for Allegheny 
County. He was elected three times to the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, first in 1824, and last in 1829. 

He was appointed the first collector of tolls on the Pennsylva- 
nia Canal at Pittsburg, and was continued in that position for 
seven years. 

In 1832 he was appointed to make up the statistics of the 
United -States Judicial District of Western Pennsylvania 
preparatory to a revision of the tariff. 

The writer cannot recall to memory any special event that 
marked the period of his administration as mayor. He was 
always credited with the faithful performance of its duties, and 
enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence and respect of his 
fellow-citizens. 



JONA THAN RUSH. 365 



JONATHAN RUSH. 

Jonathan Rush was the seventh mayor-elect of Allegheny, 
having been chosen in 1849. He was born in Morris County, 
N.J., on the twenty-second day of May, 1801, was the second 
son of Jacob and Susannah Rush, and a descendant of one of 
the oldest German families in the United States. 

The subject of this sketch served an apprenticeship to the 
hatting business, in Morristown, N.J. On the completion of 
his engagements, in 1826, and moved with the marvellous and 
glowing tales of the Western World, he left his native place, 
journeyed westward, and finally settled in Pittsburg. He was 
employed in the hat-establishment of Mr. James Wilson. 

He was married in 1829 to Miss Sarah Campbell, formerly of 
Offwick Valley, Huntingdon County, Penn. In 1835 he removed 
with his family to New Lisbon, O., but returned in the following 
year to Pennsylvania, and from that time (1836) dates his con- 
nection with the town and city of Allegheny. It was during 
his administration as mayor of the city, that the great fire, and 
firemen's riot, of the i6th July, occurred. 

His fearless and determined action on that occasion was, 
doubtless, the means of saving a large amount of property, 
which otherwise would have been involved in the general ruin. 
His action proved him to be a man of indomitable courage. 
Although an ardent Whig, he seldom took part in politics. Not- 
withstanding this fact, he occupied a number of important po- 
sitions in the government of the city, having been elected 
treasurer, and served in that capacity during the years from 
1851 to 1853; after which he was chosen assessor of water- 
rents, and in 1854 and 1855 was also appointed collector of 
water-tax. 

The duties of these several positions he discharged with 



366 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

ability and fidelity, and his mild and unassuming manners pro- 
cured for him a host of friends. 

He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 
of Allegheny, of which he was one of the founders, and always 
maintained the character of a devout Christian gentleman. 

He died on the thirteenth day of May, 1863. 



HENRY SHAFER. -2,67 



HENRY SHAFER 

Was born near Pittsburg, of German parentage, during the 
French and EngHsh war. He was employed, in the interest 
of the Enghsh, at Fort Duquesne, as an expert hunter and 
scout, enjoyed the confidence of the officers of the fort, and 
was frequently complimented by them for his zeal and indomit- 
able courage in watching the movements of the hostile Indians, 
and reporting promptly to the commandant of the fort in time 
to checkmate them in their raids. He also contributed valuable 
services in supplying the fort with meat and game. 

In the year 1790 he built a log cabin on the borders of a 
small stream which empties into the Monongahela, at a point on 
which was located the ship-yard where the first steamboats were 
built at Pittsburg, and where the viaduct of the Pittsburg, Cin- 
cinnati, and St. Louis Railway crosses the Monongahela. The 
stream is generally known as "Suke's Run." 

His humble cabin was located on the north side of the run, 
near the site now occupied by the celebrated " Round House." 

In 1794 he purchased a small farm north of the Allegheny, to 
which he removed. Here he lived for over ten years. This 
property is now occupied as a city of the dead, — " Hilldale." 
In the latter part of the year 1804 he disposed of his property, 
and took up his residence with his children, in Elizabethtown, 
Allegheny County, Penn. 

He died at the home of one of his children, in Elizabethtown, 
full of .years, in 1849. 



568 HISTORICAL CLEANINGS OF ALLECHENY. 



JOHN SHAFER 

Was born in Pitt township, on the north side of Suke's Run, 
Aug. 1 8, 1794, and followed the occupation of a fisherman. He 
was united in marriage, in Ross township, May 15, 1817, to 
Miss Emily Short, They had ten children, — five sons and five 
daughters. One son and three daughters are still living ; viz., — 

Sarah, widow of the late William P. Macky, born April 25, 
18 1 8, married June 11, 1849. 

John, born Sept. 19, 1820. Emily, widow of the late A. H. 
English ; born April 11, 1838, married May 25, 1856. Harriet; 
born March 30, 1842. 

Eliza Jane; born Jan. 24, 1820, died Dec. i, 1842. 

Mary Ann; born June 17, 1831, died Feb. i, i860. The 
other four sons died in early youth. 

Mr. Shafer was highly esteemed for the probity of his char- 
acter. With the enterprise of youth he united the careful con- 
siderations of age. His life fully justifies the confidence reposed 
in him by his many friends. Although he had passed his three- 
score years and ten, he retained in a remarkable degree his 
mental and physical powers. 

In every relation of life he proved himself a man of unswerv- 
ing honor and integrity. He would consent to nothing, no 
matter what the inducement might be, which would tend to 
lower himself in his own estimation, or that of others. His 
standing was of a higher order ; and when he believed himself 
right, no power on earth could divert him from the dictates of 
his own judgment. 

He died at his residence on Beaver Avenue, city of Alle- 
gheny, Sept. 28, 1867. His widow survived him eight years. 
She was born in Ross township, on the bank of the Ohio 
River, Oct. 14, 1800, and died at the family residence on the 
29th of May, 1875. 



MARTIN SHORT. 369 



MARTIN SHORT. 

Martin Short was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland, in 
the year 1750. He was apprenticed at an early age to learn 
the blacksmith-trade. The relations between him and his 
master not proving of an amicable nature, he " sought other 
fields and pastures new." Secreting himself on board a Ger- 
man vessel about to sail for the United States, he made arrange- 
ments with the captain to work his passage to Baltimore, for 
which port the vessel was cleared. Arriving at that city, he 
was induced by the captain to remain on board in the capacity 
of cabin-boy, and continued as such for several voyages across 
the Atlantic. While thus employed, he acquired a knowledge 
of the German language. At the age of seventeen years, and 
upon a subsequent arrival of the vessel at the port of Baltimore, 
he left it, and obtained employment in a ship-yard, in which he 
was engaged until he enlisted as a soldier of the war of the 
Revolution. 

After the close of the war he settled in Hannahstown, West- 
moreland County, Penn., where he was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary Shocky, a German girl, whom he had met and wooed 
on board of the vessel, during one of his voyages across the 
Atlantic. 

About the year 1800 he removed to Allegheny County, and 
settled in Ross township, in the part now embraced within the 
limits of the Fifth and Sixth Wards of the city of Allegheny, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 19th of 
January, 1842, in the ninety-third year of his age. 

He was the father of a large family of children, thirteen in 
all, — two sons (Adam and Valentine), eleven daughters. The 
only ones of whom there is any authentic information, and who 
survived him, are, — 

Sarah, who intermarried with Harry Faulkner ; Elizabeth, who 
intermarried with James Fletcher, born 1800, died 1875 ; Emily, 



370 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

who intermarried with John Shaffer ; Julia, who intermarried 
with Henderson Donly ; and Valentine, who was married to 
Polly Sellers. 

All the above were born on the north side, in the territory 
now embraced within the limits of the city of Allegheny, ex- 
cept Valentine, who was born at what was then known as Tom's 
Run, near where it empties into Chartiers Creek, on the 17th 
of January, 1792. He died in 1883. 

Mr. Short was an active participant in the glorious siege of 
Yorktown, battle of Bunker Hill, surrender of Lord Cornwallis, 
and many of the sanguinary encounters which marked the period 
of the nation's struggle for independence. At the momentous 
crossing of the Delaware, amid snow and ice, he had his feet 
severely frozen, the effect of which he felt to the day of his 
death. 

On the uprising of the Indians of the North-West, and com- 
mencement of hostilities, he again enlisted, and participated in 
the disastrous defeat and rout of the army under the unfortu- 
nate but brave Gen. Arthur St. Clair, Nov. 4, 1791, by the 
combined Indian forces led by the celebrated Indian chief 
" Little Turtle." In that engagement he was severely wounded 
with a rifle-ball over the left eye, and was left on the field, where 
he was found by an officer, who bound up his wound, and gen- 
erously cared for him until they reached a place of safety, both 
barely escaping the roving bands who scoured the woods for 
stragglers of the routed army. 

At the expiration of his term of service he was honorably 
discharged, and returned to his home in Allegheny County. 

In 1802 he was employed by Messrs. Denny & Beelen in 
the erection of their glass-works on the north side, on the 
bank of the Ohio River immediately opposite the head of Bru- 
not's Island, and subsequently in the works of Messrs. Craig & 
O'Hara, on the south side, opposite the Point of Pittsburg. 

He died poor, but highly respected, and was buried with 
the honors of war in the Methodist graveyard, the site of 
which is now occupied by the Union Depot. On the occasion 
of his interment, the Pittsburg Blues and other military organ- 
izations took quite a prominent part. 



JOHN WOODS. 371 



JOHN WOODS. 

John Woods, an old settler on the north side, was born of 
Irish parents at Elkhorn Creek, James River, Va., in 1750. 
He came to Allegheny County, and settled at Peter's Creek, 
and was there married to Sarah Stephenson in 1780. She was 
born in Sussex County, Del., in 1752, of Scotch descent. Miss 
Stephenson was remarkable for her physical strength as well as 
for her strong mental powers. She was just the woman to 
mate with the hardy pioneer, and bear the rigors of a compara- 
tively unknown country, and circumvent the hostile intentions 
of the nefarious Indian foemen. 

He settled in Ross township at the mouth of Wood's Run, 
April I, 1794. 

They had twelve children, — six sons and six daughters, — 
born in the following order; viz., Fanny, Elizabeth, Ellen, Susan, 
James, John, Joseph, Rebecca, Sarah, Pressly, Jeremiah, and 
Peter. 

Mr. Woods died at the old homestead at Wood's Run, Sept. 
2, 1 8 19. Mrs. Woods died at Racine, O., in May, 1844. 



372 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. ALLEN D. CAMPBELL. 

Allen D, Campbell, D.D., was born at Chorley, Lanca- 
shire, England, March 15, 1791. In his youth he came to the 
United States with his parents, wlio settled in the city of Balti- 
more, Md. 

His father was a man possessed of more than ordinary ability 
and large attainments in spiritual matters, and was for many 
years a ruling elder in the Associate Reformed Church. The 
subject of this brief memoir was naturally of a vivacious and 
ardent temperament ; and, until enlightened by divine grace, the 
strictness of the parental management was highly distasteful 
to him. 

He graduated at the University of Philadelphia, then under 
the care of Rev. Drs. Gray and Wylie. For these eminent edu- 
cators he manifested a strong attachment, second only to his 
love and veneration for his theological instructor, the Rev. I. 
M. Mason, D.D., who exercised a wonderful influence over his 
pupils. 

He was licensed by the presbytery of the Associate Reformed 
Church of Philadelphia in 18 15, and was appointed by that 
body to preach in the vacant churches in Western Pennsylvania. 

In the spring of 1817 he was married to Miss Nancy W., the 
accomplished Christian daughter of the late Benjamin Bakewell. 
In the following year he was ordained by the presbytery of 
Monongahela over the churches of Meadville and Sugar Creek, 
where he labored devotedly until the synod of Scioto separated 
from the church cast of the mountain. He refused to go with 
them, and united himself with the presbytery of Red Stone of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

In the fall of 1820 he removed to Tennessee, which brought 
with it new scenes of labor in the charge of the First Presby- 
terian Church of Nashville, where for seven years he labored 



ALLEN D. CAMPBELL. 373 

faithfully in his Master's work, amid many difificulties, and much 
pain and suffering from frequent attacks of illness. Whilst 
here, he found many warm friends. To Gen. A. Jackson he 
was particularly indebted for his unceasing friendship, and kind 
hospitalities received at the Hermitage. 

The friendship thus begun was maintained by each as long 
as they lived. During the exciting political campaign, in which 
his friend and patron was conspicuously before the public as a 
Presidential candidate, he devoted himself, especially after his 
return to Pennsylvania early in 1827, ardently to correct the 
calumnies circulated about the old hero, and spared no pains 
to present his friend's good qualities in the most favorable 
and truthful light. 

In the latter part of the following year, the family removed 
to Allegheny County, to their pleasant home overlooking the 
beautiful river, where he lived until the day of his death, which 
occurred Sept. 20, 1861. 

Although for a while he had no settled charge, his labors 
were undiminished. Prior to his leaving Tennessee, the project 
of establishing a theological seminary in a locality more ac- 
cessible to Western students had commenced to agitate the 
attention of the church. Of this measure, so important and 
imperiously demanded by the growing interest of the West, he 
became the firm and zealous advocate, in view of which the 
General- Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, at their session 
held July, 1825, at Chillicothe, O., appointed him a director of 
the contemplated seminary, which was two years after located, 
by authority of the General Assembly, on the common ground 
in the Reserve Tract opposite the city of Pittsburg. 

A modest commencement was effected by the reception of 
four students, who were instructed in theology by the Rev. 
Joseph Stockton and Rev. E. P. Swift. 

The subsequent election of the Rev. Dr. Janeway and inaugu- 
ration in October, 1828, seemed to argue auspiciously for the 
future of the infant institution ; and the warmest hopes were 
entertained for its growth and prosperity. 

In proportion to these flattering hopes was the disappoint- 
ment experienced when Dr. Janeway resigned his position in 



374 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

consequence of existing doubts in his mind as to the legality of 
the title by which the land was held on which the seminary was 
to be erected. 

In the midst of gloom and despondency, growing out of this 
state of affairs, Dr. Campbell tendered his services as agent, to 
visit England and Scotland for the purpose of collecting theo- 
logical works : this offer was promptly accepted, and proved 
eminently successful in its results, securing to the institution a 
library of over two thousand volumes. 

This labor of love, involving the hardships and dangers of a 
trip across the Atlantic ocean, and an absence of over eight 
months from the comforts of home-life, and considerable ex- 
pense, was performed gratuitously. 

His intercourse with Dr. Chalmers, Edward Irving, and 
many other pious and talented ministers of Great Britain, was 
a source of profit and pleasure throughout his subsequent life. 

He was subsequently induced to give up his charge of the 
Fourth Presbyterian Church, located on the north-east corner 
of Penn Avenue and Mechanic's Street, Pittsburg, where he 
had labored for many years under discouragement, and devote 
his entire time to the interests of the Western Theological 
Seminary. 

The duties of his position as general agent, and instructor in 
church government and discipline, he discharged with rare 
fidelity. His official relation to the seminary terminated in 
1840, yet he was to the close of his life the untiring advocate 
of what he deemed for the best interest of the institution. 

During the memorable controversy of 1837, which demor- 
alized and sundered the Presbyterian Church, he was by no 
means inactive or a neutral spectator. Eminently qualified by 
his previous training, he championed the cause of orthodoxy 
and ecclesiastical order as against the cry of bigotry and ex- 
clusiveness raised against those who dared to battle for what 
they deemed the truth ; and his candor and straightforwardness 
elicited the admiration, even of his opponents. 

He was a true lover of his adopted country. The condition 
of affairs during the late Southern rebellion caused him much 
unhappiness. 



ALLEN D. CAMPBELL. 375 

His loyalty to the national cause, no one could doubt. As 
an evidence of the interest he took in the nation's cause, he 
accompanied a regiment of Home Guards, of which he had 
been appointed chaplain, in their parade through the cities of 
Pittsburg and Allegheny, July 4, 1861. His desire was to ac- 
company them into active service, nor would any thing have 
prevented him from so doing but the consciousness that the 
state of his health was too uncertain to bear the rigors and 
hardship of camp-life. 

He was peculiarly happy in his marital relations, and owed 
much of his usefulness to the faithful and accomplished com- 
panion of his life. The asperities of his ardent nature, and 
impulsive utterances and actions, were wonderfully tempered by 
her dignity, intelligence, and habitual serenity of mind. To 
her literary ability and profound thought, the Church at large is 
eminently indebted. 

Her ample means enabled her to feed the hungry, and relieve 
the distressed. Instead of surrounding her home with the 
display of wealth and the profusion of luxury, every thing was 
simplicity itself. She died Aug. 10, 1862. 

Dr. Campbell and his amiable wife were both prove^^bial for 
their liberality and hospitality : their home was ever open to 
both friend and stranger, and their purse to the claims of be- 
nevolence. Many a theological student and struggling Christian 
minister have abundant reason to remember with gratitude 
their many acts of kindness. 

They had seven children, — one son and six daughters, — 
named respectively, Benjamin B. ; Ann B., wife of Rev. John 
Kerr ; Euphemia, wife of B. P. Bakewell ; Jane H., wife of 
William Bakewell ; Ellen, wife of B. Page ; and Sarah. 



376 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 



REV. JAMES RODGERS, D.D. 

Some men are born, live their life, and pass away, leaving 
behind them a monument far more lasting than the shaft of 
granite; "footprints on the sands of time" which cannot be 
washed away, and which serve to encourage many a poor, 
stranded fellow-being to start afresh instead of succumbing to 
what is called destiny or the inevitable. James Rodgers, a 
citizen of Allegheny, hewed his own monument, reared his 
own shaft, and was honored and beloved by all with whom he 
came in contact. He was an Irishman by birth, having been 
born near the town of Oneagh, Tyrone County, on the twenty- 
second day of December, 1800. His father, William Rodgers, 
was a member of the Irish Presbyterian Church. The family 
consisted of one daughter and three sons, of which James was 
the second born. When but seventeen years of age, he, hav- 
ing been educated as a civil engineer, left his home for Belfast, 
and then sailed for New York. Leaving New York, he went 
to Meadville, Crawford County, Penn. Here he made the 
acquaintance of the Rev. Daniel McLean, to whom he appealed 
for advice as to obtaining employment at his profession. At 
that time the services of civil engineers were not greatly in 
demand ; and Dr. McLean advised him to open a school, which 
he did. He succeeded so well in his vocation, that he sent for 
his parents, and purchased a farm, upon which he settled them. 
He taught until about 1821, when he retired to his farm, and 
applied himself to the study of Latin and Greek ; and three 
years later he entered the Western University. He graduated 
with honor in 1827, and then entered the Theological Seminary 
of the Associate Church at Canonsburg, Washington County, 
Penn. At the close of the fourth session (1830), he was put on 
trial for licensure by the presbytery of Allegheny ; and the fol- 
lowing September, by the presbytery of Miami for ordination. 



REV. JAMES RODGERS, D.D. 377 

In October he was licensed and ordained, and appointed to the 
Miami Mission, which included a few vacancies in Missouri, 
Indiana, and Illinois. While there, his beloved mother died ; 
and, having completed his mission, he returned home, being 
then thirty-one years of age, and in the full vigor of his man- 
hood. Soon after his return, he received a call from the united 
congregations of Noblestown and Ohio, which he accepted, 
entering at once upon the performance of his duties. In 1832 
he met his wife. Miss Eliza, youngest daughter of Mr. Thomas 
Livingston, and was married. He then settled in Noblestown, 
the distance between his two congregations being about eigh- 
teen miles. About this time a number of families applied for 
organization in Allegheny City. In 1837 they succeeded, and 
Mr. Rodgers was called upon to minister to their spiritual wel- 
fare. After considerable debate at the meeting of the Associate 
synod in session at Philadelphia, neither of his congregations 
wishing to part with him, he was installed. His first sermon 
was preached in a large hall on Federal Street ; his new congre- 
gation being poor, and unable to build. At that time Messrs. 
William Bell & Blackstock operated a large cotton-factory, 
which employed many hands ; and, seeing the want of a desira- 
ble place of worship for a congregation made up of toilers, they 
purchased a lot on the second bluff above the river, between 
Federal and Sandusky Streets, upon which was erected a large, 
substantial brick building, which was finished in 1839, S-^'^d is 
now the Second U. P. Church. These gentlemen intended to 
present the property to the congregation, which, through the 
labors of Mr. Rodgers, soon became prosperous ; but, alas for 
human plans ! it was not to be so. The firm became embar- 
rassed, and the property was about to be levied upon by the 
sheriff. Through the perseverance and indomitable energy of 
Mr. Rodgers, however, it was finally saved. 

In 1845 the Board of Jefferson College conferred the title of 
D.D. without solicitation upon Mr. Rodgers, and certainly was 
the title never more deservedly bestowed. In 1850 he com- 
menced a series of lectures on John Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Prog- 
ress," which have since then been published in book-form. After 
finishing this course of lectures, he took a rest from his labors, — 



378 HISTORICAL GLEANIXGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

having increased the membership of his church from 270 (1840) 
to 430, — by taking a trip to Europe, staying two months. About 
this time his health became sHghtly knpaired, suffering very 
much with a soreness of the throat. As he was chairman of 
the Board of Domestic Missions, he was appointed to visit the 
churches in the Far West, thus enabhng him to take a rest from 
his duties. At first he improved, but soon the symptoms re- 
appeared ; and he arrived at home completely prostrated, and 
was compelled to take to bed. He was never after able to fill 
his pulpit, and sent in his resignation ; but so beloved was he 
by his congregation, that they rejected it, his pulpit being filled 
by substitutes. He a second time sent it in, and after much 
persuasion it was accepted, thus closing his career as a minister 
of the gospel ; the event taking place early in i860, after hav- 
ing been in the ministry for thirty years, and of the Associate 
now the Second U. P. Church of Allegheny for twenty-one 
years and eight months. 

• Being now without occupation, he was, not long after, called 
to take charge of the book-store of the Board of Publication 
of the U. P. Assembly. He appeared to be the man for the 
place, and the concern thrived under his administration. His 
health, however, grew worse, and early in July Dr. Rodgers 
found it necessary to go home as a result of indisposition ; and 
after an illness of about three weeks, on the 23d of July, 1868, 
death claimed him, thus closing a long life of usefulness and 
goodness. He faced death as only a brave and good man can, 
— fearlessly. A wife and three children survived him, — 
Thomas Livingston, Elizabeth, and William B. Rodgers. 



REV. THOMAS SPROULL, D.D. 379 



REV. THOMAS SPROULL, D.D. 

By Kev. J. W. Sproull. 

Thomas Sproull was born in the northern part of West- 
moreland County, Penn., about a mile and a half from the 
village of Freeport, on the fifteenth day of September, 1803. 
His parents, Robert Sproull and Mary Dunlap, were natives of 
Ireland ; the former of County Tyrone, and the latter of County 
Derry. His father, the youngest of three brothers, unaccom- 
panied by any friend, came to America m 1784. According to 
his own record, " he embarked in the ship ' Congress ' from Lon- 
donderry, in the twenty-second year of his age, July 23, 1784, 
and landed at New Castle the nth of September the same 
year." For about ten years he remained in the eastern part of 
the State, when he removed to the neighborhood of Mercers- 
burg, Franklin County. There he met, for the first time, his 
future wife. With her mother, five brothers, and one sister, 
she had come to America about seven years later than he had. 
They were married on the twenty-fifth day of February, 1794. 
That same year they removed to Westmoreland County, locat- 
ing on a farm near the one they lived on at the time of his 
death. 

Westmoreland County was then regarded as the frontier. 
Stories of Indian massacres were familiar, and, indeed, the fear 
of the red man had not entirely died away. It was still com- 
mon to conceal valuables, and go armed to daily labor. Greens- 
burg, the county-seat, was twenty-eight miles away ; Pittsburg, 
the chief market for the products of the farm, about thirty. 
Usually produce was taken to Pittsburg in canoes by river, the 
time occupied during a trip being three days. The nearest 
post-office was Freeport, The mail-carrier also supplied sub- 
scribers with the weekly papers. Few sounds were more wel- 



38o HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

come than the tooting of his horn, as almost the only means 
of hearing from the outside world those pioneers had was the 
weekly paper. School-facilities were very meagre. A pay- 
school for three months in the winter was the only opportunity 
for a long time parents had to secure an education for their 
children. 

The subject of our sketch manifested a strong desire to ob- 
tain a thorough education, and availed himself of every oppor- 
tunity to increase his store of knowledge. The circumstances 
of. his parents were such that he had largely to depend on him- 
self. When sixteen years of age he was so far advanced as to 
take charge of the winter school. In 1826 an opportunity was 
afforded him to prepare for college at a private academy taught 
by Rev. Jonathan Gill, a Covenanter minister, near Turtle Creek. 
In 1828 he entered the junior class of the Western University. 
Having been advanced a year, he graduated in 1829, and subse- 
quently taught in the same institution. 

His ancestry on both his father's and mother's side were 
Covenanters. It is nol strange, that, early in his life, his atten- 
tion was devoted to religious subjects, nor that, when he made a 
profession of religion, he identified himself with the Covenanter 
Church. 

Early in life he had made up his mind to be a minister. 
After leaving college he studied three sessions under Dr. Black. 
He was licensed to preach by the Pittsburg presbytery on the 
— of April, 1832, in Pittsburg, and on the 4th of April, 1832, 
was ordained at New Alexandria to the ministry as a mission- 
ary. 

In 1833 the Covenanter Church was divided on the subject 
of civil government. Dr. Black identified himself with what 
was subsequently known as the New-Light branch, and, being 
deservedly held in high esteem, was able to control a large 
majority of the members. At the first meeting of the adher- 
ents of the old side, but thirteen were present : subsequently 
others connected with them. In 1833 they called Mr. Sproull to 
be their pastor, and on the 12th of May, 1834, he was installed. 
That relation continued until Oct. 13, 1868, when, being re- 
quired to give his whole time to the seminary by direction of 



REV. THOMAS SPROULL, D.D, 38 1 

synod, it was dissolved. From that congregation, there have 
been organized five distinct congregations, —Pine Creek, Wil- 
kinsburg, Allegheny, Pittsburg, and Central Allegheny. Dur- 
ing his pastorate it was the largest, wealthiest, and strongest 
in'^he church. Indeed, no other congregation in the body has 
ever attained so large a membership, or wielded so powerful an 

influence. 

.In addition to performing his duties as pastor, during the 
greater part of his ministry he discharged also those of pro- 
fessor in the Theological Seminary. In 1838 he was elected 
professor in the Western Seminary. In 1840, the Eastern and 
Western Seminaries being united, he was continued in that 
position. Resigning in 1845, he was re-elected in 1851; and 
again resigning in 1868, he was re-elected the same year, with 
the understanding that he would obtain a release from his con- 
gregation. He was also one of the editors of "The Christian 
Witness" for two years, and for nineteen years was either editor 
or co-editor of " The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter." 
He has also published a large number of sermons, lectures, 
and pamphlets. In 1882 he published his " Prelections on 
Theology," a volume of four hundred and fifty-five pages, which 
has been favorably received. 

The title of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by 
Westminster College. 

On July I, 1834, he was married, by Rev. John Crozier, to 
Magdalena Wallace, third child of John Wallace, Esq., of Pitts- 
burg. Of their twelve children, seven reached maturity. The 
oldest, Christiana Wallace, married Professor Newell, who was 
licensed by the Covenanter Church to preach the gospel. The 
second, Rev. R. D. Sproull, was for some years pastor of the 
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Rochester, N.Y., but subse- 
quently of the Presbyterian Church of Providence, R.I. The 
third. Rev. J. W. Sproull, was for some time pastor of the 
Monongahela Congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, and afterwards of the Central Allegheny, and is one 
of the editors of "The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter." 
Mary Magdalena, the next, is the wife of Rev. C. D. Trumbull, 
pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Morning Sun, 



382 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

lo. Thomas Alexander, the next, was pastor of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church of New Alexandria until his death, on the 
8th of April, 1878. William Oliver, the next, is professor of 
Latin and Arabic in the University of Cincinnati. Theophilus, 
the youngest living, is a member of the firm of Myers Shinkle 
& Co. of Pittsburg. All received a college education. 



ALEXANDER YOUNG. 383 



ALEXANDER YOUNG. 

Alexander Young, Sen., was born in Lanarkshire, near 
Glasgow, Scotland, in 1784. 

He came to the United States in 1819, and settled in what 
was then Ross township, Allegheny County, on the bank of the 
Ohio River, on an out-lot of the Reserve Tract, immediately 
above the mouth of Strawberry Lane, in April, 1820. From 
here he removed to the mansion and. large farm of the late 
Thomas Cromwell in 1822, and in April, 1823, to Ferry Lane 
(now Beaver Avenue), a short distance west of Island Lane 
(now Washington Avenue). 

In 1826 he purchased from Marguerite S. Parke the ten- 
acre out-lot. No. — , lying on the river-bank on both sides of 
Beaver Avenue, upon which he erected a substantial frame 
dwelling, opposite the mouth of Western Avenue : the building 
is still standing, one of the last of the landmarks of the olden 
time. 

April I, 1839, he removed to a large farm in Lower Burrell 
township, Westmoreland County, upon which he resided until 
December of the following year, when he returned to his for- 
mer residence in Allegheny County, where he died on the six- 
teenth day of February, 1841. Having made no will, his large 
estate was divided under the intestate laws of the Common- 
wealth. 

Mr. Young was educated a farmer ; his teachings and experi- 
ence in the old country were brought into use here ; and he was 
considered one of the most thorough, extensive, and successful 
market-gardeners in Allegheny County. 

He was, in the strictest meaning of the term, a self-made 
man, starting in life without any of the appliances of wealth, 
and but meagre opportunities for acquiring an education : by 
his courage, forethought, indomitable perseverance, and integ- 



384 HISTORICAL GLEANINGS OF ALLEGHENY. 

rity of character, he acquired considerable wealth, and attained 
a most respectable position in the community in which he had 
cast his lot. 

Endowed by nature with a generous disposition, he was 
charitable without ostentation, and strictly honorable in all his 
relations, while at the same time he was earnest, resolute, and 
determined. 

He was united in marriage in Lanarkshire, in the year 18 14, 
to Miss Elizabeth Smith, who died in Allegheny, March 24, 
1872, in the eighty-fourth year of her age, in the full use of her 
mental faculties, beloved by her children, and highly respected 
for her many Christian virtues. 

They had seven children ; five survived them, — two sons and 
three daughters ; and two died in infancy. 

Alexander Young, D.D., L.L.D., the eldest, was born in 
Lanarkshire, June 4, 1815; was educated for the ministry; 
graduated, was called and ordained pastor of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church of St. Clairsville, O., in 1842, the pulpit 
of which he occupied with marked acceptance for sixteen years, 
from 1842 to 1858. In 1855 he was chosen professor of the- 
ology in the Associate Reformed Theological Seminary at 
Oxford, O. Subsequently, he was elected to a similar position 
in the Theological Seminary at Monmouth, 111., occupying at 
the same time the pulpit of the first U. P. Congregation, and 
subsequently that of the second congregation of the same place. 

He also, during the sixteen years of his connection with the 
above, filled acceptably various professorships in the Monmouth 
College. 

On his return to Allegheny County, in 1874, he was elected 
professor of Pastoral Theology and Apologetics in the United 
Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in the city of Allegheny. 

During the thirty-three years of his teachings in Ohio and 
Illinois, he never failed to meet a class, at the hour appointed 
for recitation, on account of sickness. 

Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, was also born in Lanarkshire, 
Jan. 31, 18 17; is the widow of the late Abraham Patterson, 
builder and contractor. He was for several years a member of 
the councils of Manchester and borough of Allegheny. 



ALEXANDER YOUNG. 385 

Stephen was born in city of Pittsburg, Penn., Nov. 24, 18 19; 
is a farmer, and occupies a part of the farm in Westmoreland 
County. 

Jennette was born in Ross township, Oct. 22, 1829; is the 
wife of Mr. B. Kennedy, journaHst, for many years connected 
with the press of Pittsburg and Allegheny. 

Agnes was born also in Ross township, Feb. ii„ 1830; is the 
wife of J. T. Simpson, who at present manages a mill and farm 
at Sampler Station on the Pittsburg and Western Railway. 



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